Thatch fire severely damages historic Suffolk pub

A 13th century pub in Suffolk has been badly damaged after its thatched roof caught fire.

Fire tore through the roof of the historic Ship Inn in the village of Levington near Ipswich.

The alarm was raised by a passer-by who saw flames in the thatch. Staff had to flee the burning building but no-one was hurt.

Ten fire crews were called to the scene to tackle the fire which took several hours to put out.

An aerial platform failed to make it because it was unable to get down narrow country lines and under telegraph wires.

The Ship Inn is owned by the Southwold-based brewery Adams and had only recently re-opened after refurbishment.

The cause of the fire is not yet known but is being investigated by Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service.

• Watch a report by ITV News Anglia's Malcolm Robertson