FIREFIGHTERS wearing breathing apparatus tackled a blaze at a thatched cottage in Stoke-by-Nayland last night.

The fire broke out at 10pm at a house in Scotland Street.

Firefighters from Colchester, Halstead and Manningtree went to the scene.

Crews reported that the fire was deep seated in the roof of the cottage and that firefighting action was taking place externally and from inside the property.