Twenty fire crews have been called to a major fire at a thatched building this morning.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue were called to Church Lane, Thwaite shortly after 7.30am.

A spokesman for Suffolk fire and rescue said that the force was attending a two-storey thatched property and were using breathing apparatus and ladders to deal with the fire.

Eastern Daily Press: Fire crews tackling a major house fire in ThwaiteFire crews tackling a major house fire in Thwaite (Image: Archant)

Crews from across Suffolk and a few appliances from over the border in Norfolk have been called to the scene.

Eastern Daily Press: Fire crews from across Suffolk and Norfolk have attendedFire crews from across Suffolk and Norfolk have attended (Image: Charlotte Bond)

David Briggs, who was born in the cottage but now lives next door, said it was sad to see the house he "treasures" in flames.

Mr Briggs said: "My wife looked out of the conservatory window and said to me there was smoke coming out of the chimney of the house."

Eastern Daily Press: Firefighters have used breathing apparatus while tackling the fireFirefighters have used breathing apparatus while tackling the fire (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Mr Briggs added his wife saw his neighbour trying to battle the flame with his garden hose.

"He had his hosepipe and was trying to spray his hosepipe onto the roof.

"I said it's such a shame as I treasure that old house, I was born there and now live next to it.

"But it will be restored. When it was listed, they said it was built in about 1664. It's full of old beams."