Passers-by kicked a front door open in dramatic scenes amid fears people were trapped as fire tore through a house in Norwich today.

An eye-witness told how smoke was pouring out of upper windows and windows were falling out in the fierce heat of the fire on Coslany Street.

The fire service arrived just as the door was kicked in, but the property was found to be empty.

Crews from Earlham, Carrow, Sprowston and Hethersett attended the scene at 2.20pm after a call by a member of the public.

Firefighters used hoses to put out the flames, plus thermal imaging equipment to check for hot spots.

Norwich Evening News: Simon Rose, who witnessed the Coslany Street fire.Picture: StaffSimon Rose, who witnessed the Coslany Street fire.Picture: Staff (Image: Archant)

Simon Rose, who lives in Barnyard Yard and witnessed the fire, said: 'I saw the smoke out coming out of the top two windows then the windows started falling out.

'People were trying to kick the door down because they thought people were in there.

'They just got in as the fire brigade arrived. I don't know the people who live there - I only moved in on Wednesday. The whole block is council housing. It was a shocking thing to see. I just hope no one has been hurt. It didn't take long for it to go up.'

Roger Mitchell, station manager for Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service who was at the scene said the fire was 'severe', causing damage to all three storeys of the building.

Norwich Evening News: Fire on Coslany Street in Norwich. Photo: Simon ParkinFire on Coslany Street in Norwich. Photo: Simon Parkin (Image: Archant)

'There was no one in the property at the time of the fire and the neighbours where raised by members of the public who made them aware of the fire.

'I'd like to thank them for doing that: the safest place for people is outside,' he said.

Mr Mitchell added that there would be a full investigation into how the fire started.

The police and ambulance service were also called.

Norwich Evening News: Fire on Coslany Street in Norwich. Photo: Simon ParkinFire on Coslany Street in Norwich. Photo: Simon Parkin (Image: Archant)

Norwich Evening News: Fire on Coslany Street in Norwich. Photo: Simon ParkinFire on Coslany Street in Norwich. Photo: Simon Parkin (Image: Archant)

Norwich Evening News: The scene of the a fire which devasted a three storey building. Picture: StaffThe scene of the a fire which devasted a three storey building. Picture: Staff (Image: Archant)