UPDATE: Major fire response after thatched pub catches fire

A pub near Honiton has been at the centre of a major fire response this afternoon (April 4) after the thatched roof caught alight.

It took 23 fire crews to bring the blaze at The White Hart in Willington under control, with the incident ongoing.

The A35 road running next to the pub has also been blocked both ways since the fire broke out at around midday.

A recent update from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue stated: The incident has been scaled down to five appliances and crews are at work sheeting up the roof.

"The aerial ladder platform has now arrived from Exeter and is going to help with finishing sheeting up the building.

"The incident will continue to be scaled down from now. An appliance will be attending later this evening with a thermal imaging camera to do a thorough internal and external inspection."

Earlier this evening: "Steady progress is still being made, crews are finalising the stripping of thatch from the roof and preparing to cover it with salvage sheets."

According to an update at 3pm: "Fire break and salvage are now complete.

"Fire crews are continuing to strip the thatch in the affected area of the roof.

"Plans are in place for removal of thatch from the roadway by Highways."

This is not the first time the thatched roof on The White Hart has caught fire. The pub was rebuilt in 2004 due to extensive damage after a major fire incident.

Crews from Honiton, Axminster, Colyton, Ottery St Mary, Seaton, Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Sidmouth, Cullompton, Newton Abbot, Chard, Exmouth, Taunton, Bridport, Wiveliscombe, Martock and Danes Castle were involved in the operation.