Updated
Fire tears through historic Thorpe pub
Fire at The Griffin pub in Yarmouth Road in Thorpe St Andrew. - Credit: Ian Pearce
Fire crews are tackling a blaze at a 231-year-old disused pub in Norwich.
A Norfolk Fire and Rescue spokesman said four fire engines are on the scene of a fire at The Griffin in Yarmouth Road in Thorpe St Andrew.
Crews from Carrow, Sprowston and two from Earlham fire stations were called at 8.43am on Monday and remain at the scene.
Emyr Gough, group manager for central for the fire service, said the initial came from a member of the public at 8.30am.
He said: "We have had three crews and the aerial platform. It was a well developed fire.
"Crews are now putting it out and making the building safe and liaising with the building's owner and those looking after the building."
He added that part of the roof had gone, and said it was "far too early" to know the cause of the fire.
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He said: "Investigations will continue to discover the cause of the fire. This is the second or third fire at this premise over the last six months."
A spokesman for the building's owner said it had "proven impossible" to keep vandals out.
The spokesman said: “We are aware of the situation with regard to the fire at the former Griffin. Once it is confirmed safe to do so we will be surveying the building to assess the damage, establish the cause of the fire and consider any further safety and security measures which need to be put in place.
“Over the past two years the building has been broken into and vandalised on numerous occasions. We have responded to each incident, working with the police and private contractors to increase security measures and re-securing the building on every occasion; it has proved impossible to keep vandals out.”
Ian Pearce, a Laundry Lane resident, was out on a run when he saw smoke as he was passing Broadland Business Park.
Mr Pearce said: “I saw smoke about 8.35am. By the time I got down here I started seeing smoke out of the chimney. The fire brigade was here in 10 minutes, the first two engines.
The roof is completely gone. It was a lovely pub: I used to go there for Sunday lunches when I was a kid."
The Griffin, which has stood derelict for nearly three years, has been up for let since last year.
Norfolk Police confirmed Yarmouth Road had closed while the crews tackled the fire.
Fire engine at the The Griffin pub in Thorpe St Andrew. - Credit: Ian Pearce
Road closure signs due to a fire at The Griffin Pub in Thorpe St Andrew. - Credit: Danielle Booden
Norfolk Fire Service attending a fire at The Griffin Pub in Thorpe St Andrew. - Credit: Danielle Booden
Norfolk Fire Service attending a fire at The Griffin Pub in Thorpe St Andrew. - Credit: Danielle Booden
Norfolk Fire Service attending a fire at The Griffin Pub in Thorpe St Andrew.
Norfolk Fire Service attending a fire at The Griffin Pub in Thorpe St Andrew. - Credit: Danielle Booden
Norfolk Fire Service attending a fire at The Griffin Pub in Thorpe St Andrew. - Credit: Danielle Booden
Norfolk Fire Service attending a fire at The Griffin Pub in Thorpe St Andrew. - Credit: Danielle Booden
Norfolk Fire Service attending a fire at The Griffin Pub in Thorpe St Andrew. - Credit: Danielle Booden
Norfolk Fire Service attending a fire at The Griffin Pub in Thorpe St Andrew. - Credit: Danielle Booden
