MORE than 70 firefighters tackled a blaze that ripped through a Hampshire thatched cottage last night.
A total 65 firefighters plus ten officers helped battle the flames, removing the thatch to stop the fire from spreading into the neighbouring property.
Half of the roof and first floor of the building were damaged before the fire was completely extinguished by 12.45am today.
The cause of the fire - the hamlet of Bradley near Alton - is being investigated but it is not thought to be suspicious.
Crews attended from Alton, Alresford, Winchester, Basingstoke, Odiham, Bordon and Whitchurch after receiving the 99 call at around 5.35pm yesterday.
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