A thatched cottage, worth more than half a million pounds, had its roof destroyed in a fire that was “most likely” sparked by a log burner, it has been confirmed.

As reported by the News on Monday, 10 fire crews from across Cambridgeshire, Essex and Suffolk were called to the Grade II listed property, in Turnpike Hill, Withersfield, near Haverhill, on Sunday.

Officers were contacted shortly before 11am, and after hours of work, brought the incident under control shortly before 5pm.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has now completed the investigation into the blaze, and confirmed that the “most likely” cause of the fire was a log burner, which was being used inside the house.

A spokesman said: “The most likely cause of the fire was heat generated by a log burner transmitting via the flue to the chimney and thatched roof, resulting in ignition of the thatched roof.”

As previously reported, the property’s thatched roof caught fire and collapsed, spreading flames through the interior of the house.

Volunteers from the Salvation Army also attended the scene to assist the 11 firefighters at work.

The house, owned by Rob and Julia Tilson, was reportedly due to be sold.

A spokesperson from estate agents Carter Jonas confirmed that the home, which was on the market for £675,000, had not yet been sold.

She said: “We were deeply saddened to hear about the fire at Twin Cottage.

“Our sympathies are with the owners at this very difficult time and we are assisting them with the search for rented accommodation.”

The property was bought by the current owners in 2008, and described as an “excellent village property” which had been “meticulously maintained” inside and out.

Speaking to the News at the scene of the fire on Sunday, Mr Tilson said he and his wife had not panicked when they realised the roof was on fire.

The business owner said the couple called the fire brigade, got everything they needed and got out.

He said: “We’ve got a long road ahead, but I’m just glad nobody was hurt.”