A derelict house has been badly damaged in a fire in Little Plumstead.

Fire crews were called out to the property on the corner of Copeman Road and Kevill Davis Drive, off Hospital Road, at 8.40am this morning (Saturday).

Four fire engines and 20 firefighters were at the scene and managed to bring the blaze under control by 11am.

The road was closed until 10.30am.

It is believed the house, which is on the old hospital site, may be a former health authority building. It's roof was destroyed in the fire.

Joe Warns, station manager of Norwich's Bethel Street station, said he understood it had been used by squatters in the past, but it was now believed to be empty.

A neighbour said: 'The first thing we saw of it was when a neighbour rang on the doorbell and said they had called the fire brigade.

'The kids have been watching and there was some smoke and some flames. The fire brigade got here quickly and got it under control so it never took hold.

'We have lived here for four years and there has never been anyone living there.'

Do you live in Kevill Davis Drive or have photographs of the fire? Contact reporter Kim Briscoe on 01603 772419 or email kim.briscoe@archant.co.uk.