A BLAZE at a property in Purbeck has destroyed a significant proportion of a thatched roof.

Fire crews were called to a property in Lytchett Matravers, near Poole, last night at around 7pm. 

At one point 15 fire engines were at the scene, with four main lines and six breathing apparatus used to deal with the fire. 

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service began scaling back crews from 11.30pm. 

A spokeswoman for the service said a reinspection had been carried out this morning at 7am.

She said: "About half of the thatched roof has been saved."

An ambulance was also called to the scene last night, although it is understood nobody has been hurt. 

Police closed Eddy Green Road and all roads within about half a mile radius were also cordoned off. 

Lytchett Matravers resident Richard Brown said there was "a huge amount of activity" on Eddy Green Road.

"We live on the High Street and we saw a number of fire engines go past us. We were quite nosy so decided to drive around and see what was going on.

"Middle Road was as close as we could get. The back of the property was obscured by trees, but the whole of Eddy Green Road was full of fire appliances. There was a huge amount of activity up there.

"We were there at around 8.20pm, and there were no visible flames then but the fire was still smouldering in the roof. There was an awful lot of thick smoke coming off the building.

He added: "All the immediate properties are thatched so they must be taking extra precautions - but I was shocked at the number of fire engines there."