FIREFIGHTERS from Ilminster battled a thatched roof fire in the early hours of this morning.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service were called at 3.34am to Cad Road in Ilton in Ilminster.

On arrival fire crews from Ilminster confirmed that a tiled roof around 10m by 10m was affected by fire and started stripping tiles from the roof.

The incident involved a two storey detached property which was approximately 30m square and is used as a domestic extension with a tiled roof.

Crews used two breathing apparatus wearers, one hosereel jet and a thermal image camera to check for hotspots.

The cause of the fire was due to lightning strike.