TWO thatched cottages in a village near Alton have been gutted by fire.

Early reports suggest the blaze, which destroyed the 18th Century buildings in Lower Froyle, is believed to have started in the roof on Thursday afternoon.

The owners of the cottages are believed to be away and a spokesman for Hampshire Fire and Rescue said no-one was hurt.

On Friday morning, Froyle Parish Council chairman Julie Southern sent an e-mail to the two families offering help, and parish clerk Phillipa Cullen-Stephenson, who also offered help, said: “The firefighters had to get the water from the nearby pond to tackle the blaze.“The building is one of the oldest in the village and I know the couple in one of the houses had two grown-up children. I don’t know the other family or where they have gone. I am pleased they escaped unhurt.”She added that she didn’t know what help villagers had offered “but when we have had a terrible fire like this people have rallied round and offered clothing and help”.More to follow.....