FIREFIGHTERS were called to tackle a blaze at a thatched cottage in Langham.

13 crews from across north Essex were called to try and deal with the fire at a property in School Road.

A spokesman for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: "Firefighters were called to a fire in a detached thatched cottage.

"Firefighters created a firebreak in the thatch and crews and used the aerial ladder platform to reach the fire."

They began putting out the flames at 7pm and remained throughout the night getting the flames under control by 2am.

A spokesman, speaking shortly after 10pm last night, said: "Crews are continuing to tackle the fire and are making steady progress at the incident.  

"The Red Cross Emergency Support vehicle has been requested to the incident to assist the residents of the property."

Essex Police were called to investigate but said the cause was not suspicious.