Fire destroys 14th Century thatched pub and four homes in Devon

A 14th Century thatched pub and four homes have been destroyed in a fire.

The blaze in the Tradesman's Arms in Stokenham, Devon, was believed to have started in the kitchen and spread to nearby thatched properties, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said.

The service was called at about 00:00 BST on Monday, with 12 fire engines and crews from 18 stations attending.

No significant injuries other than minor smoke inhalation was reported, police said.

One witness told the BBC the fire went up "very quickly", taking hold in about 10 minutes.

Officers confirmed four residential homes and the pub had been destroyed.

The fire service remains on site to damp down the flames and investigate the cause of the fire.

Fire service station officer Dan Taylor said the number of appliances had been reduced to four by early afternoon.

He said firefighters would not be able to get into the building on Monday "because it isn't safe at the moment".

He said water was being hosed in through windows and entrances so crews could be "really getting to ... hotspots as best we can with all the rubble and debris that's fallen in on to the fire itself".

South Hams District Council leader Judy Pearce said it was a "devastating fire" that had caused a loss of homes and "a much-loved historic community pub".

She said: "Our officers worked through the night to help with any emergency housing needs and will continue to offer support, if needed."

The A379 has reopened after being closed overnight, Devon and Cornwall Police added.

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