Dawlish firefighters assisted in putting out a thatched roof that was on fire in Woodbury Salterton in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday 21 December).

A 999 call was made after midnight at 12.34am reporting that the thatched roof of a domestic property was on fire.

Eight fire engines together with several specialist vehicles were sent initially, but when they arrived they requested another four be sent to help fight the blaze.

The roof then collapsed at around 4.10am, but 'all persons were accounted for'.

As of 7.45am, the incident has been scaled back to two fire engines.

A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "At 12.34am this morning we received a 999 call reporting a thatched roof on fire on a domestic property in Woodbury Salterton.

"Eight fire engines and several specialist vehicles were sent. On arrival crews confirmed that the roof was well alight and requested a further four fire engines to assist.

"Crews are currently using main jets, hose reel jets, foam jets, breathing apparatus, ladders.

"Crews will be in attendance for some time and further updates will follow.

"Update 0410 - Crews have confirmed that the roof of this property has now collapsed. All persons are accounted for.

"Update 0600 - This incident has been scaled back to 5 fire engines.

"Update 0730 - We currently have 5 fire engines and an aerial ladder platform still in attendance. Crews are damping down.

"Update 0745 - Incident now scaled down to 2 fire engines."