AN elderly couple and their carer were today rescued as a raging fire tore through their home in a sleepy Suffolk town.More than 60 firefighters from across the region battled the blaze which broke out at the large detached house in Church Street, Eye shortly before 3am today.

AN elderly couple and their carer were today rescued as a raging fire tore through their home in a sleepy Suffolk town.

More than 60 firefighters from across the region battled the blaze which broke out at the large detached house in Church Street, Eye shortly before 3am today.

The house, which is believed to date to the 15th or 16th century was so badly affected by the blaze that the road was today closed due to the instability of the charred roof.

An elderly woman was taken to West Suffolk hospital, in Bury St Edmunds, suffering the effects of smoke inhalation, while her husband spent the early hours of the morning at a friend's house.

The house, which is believed to date to the 15th or 16th century was so badly affected by the blaze that the road was today closed due to the instability of the charred roof.

The blaze is thought to have been started by an electrical fault.

The flames soon spread to a wooden staircase and to the first floor of the house, which is belived to be as old as 15th or 16th century.

The road near St Peter and St Paul Primary School was closed in both directions between the B1117 Castle Street junction and the Wellington Road junction.

Fire crews did not know if a smoke alarm was installed at the property and an investigation into the cause of the fire was due to take place today.

Gary Clark, assistant divisional officer, paid tribute to the hard work of crews initially on scene.

He said: “It was a fairly big blaze by the time we got here. Within five minutes it was in the roof but all furniture and belongings were salvaged.

“Two relief crews will be here for most of the day to clear debris, look for hotspots and damp down.

A neighbour who was woken by his dog at 3am said: “I've been up since then serving teas to the fire crews.

“Smoke was pouring out of the roof. I used to be a fireman so I know what it's like.”

Were you involved in the blaze and want to thank the firefighters? Contact The Evening Star news desk on 01473 324788 or email starnews@eveningstar.co.uk