Fire wrecks listed thatched cottages in Lower Froyle

Fire has destroyed a row of Grade II listed thatched cottages in Hampshire.

The blaze began in the roof of the 18th Century buildings in Lower Froyle, near Alton, on Thursday afternoon.

Froyle Road was closed while 10 fire engines and 40 firefighters from Hampshire and Surrey tackled the flames into the night.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue said no-one was injured but photographs showed the buildings had been completely gutted.

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A tweet by Hartley Wintney firefighters said: "We fought hard in tough conditions. Devastating for home owners, thoughts are with them."