A CLEAR up is under way today after more than 50 firefighters from two counties battled to save a picturesque Suffolk cottage.The thatched roof of a large cottage in The Street, Euston was almost completely destroyed in the blaze which started at around 8pm yesterday.

A CLEAR up is under way today after more than 50 firefighters from two counties battled to save a picturesque Suffolk cottage.

The thatched roof of a large cottage in The Street, Euston was almost completely destroyed in the blaze which started at around 8pm yesterday.

A total of eight fire crews from Suffolk and Norfolk were called to tackle the blaze which spread quickly through the cottage thatch.

Dennis Lambert who rents one of the cottages with his wife Jean, said: "It was incredible. It spread so quickly I wouldn't have believed it."

The couple were alerted by a stranger who knocked on the door and told them there was smoke coming from the roof.

They rushed outside and turned a garden hose on the fire but could not stop the flames spreading.

"When the fire service arrived it was right through the roof of both cottages," Mr Lambert said. "Everyone got out safely but then we tried to get some belongings out. We were inside when the lights went out and the room filled with smoke so we had to get out. The fire service were incredible and they helped us get out things out," he added.

Firefighters from Bury St Edmunds, Thetford, Ixworth and Mildenhall attended the blaze until late into the night.

Suffolk fire service Divisional Officer Paul Collins, said: "The fire was well established when we arrived. We began damage control by removing belongings from the cottages and water from the river to fight the fire. The Thatch was pulled off to enable us to fight the blaze and an investigation is now underway into the cause."

The families involved were last night staying with friends and neighbours. Mr Lambert everyone in the village has offered to help, and described the offers of help as 'unbelievable'.