Dozens of firefighters tackle blaze at thatched house in Dorset village

Ten fire engines and sixty firefighters have been dealing with a fire at a thatched house in Alton Pancras near Dorchester.

The fire has closed the B3143 in both directions at Ripp's Lane junction and Dorset Police say the road will be closed for some time as safety checks are carried out on an unstable structure.

People were advised to avoid the area and residents were told to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke.