Residents form human chain to save belongings

Local residents formed a human chain to salvage belongings after a devastating thatch blaze in Oxfordshire.

Thames Valley Fire Control Service received a call to a fire at a thatched house in Middle Lane, Balscote on Tuesday morning.

Six fire engines and support vehicles were mobilised to the blaze from Banbury, Deddington, Chipping Norton, Bicester, as well as resources from neighbouring counties.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus quickly entered the property and worked in arduous conditions, using hose reels to hold back the fire while the belongings were salvaged.