Police still at the scene of Norwich house fire

Fire investigators are continuing their search of the property, while the address in Coslany Street remains taped off and police officers stand guard at the front and rear of the building.

There is also a police forensics team at the property.

Fire crews from Earlham, Carrow, Sprowston and Hethersett where called to the fire at around 2.30pm on Saturday after being alerted to the blaze by a member of the public.

An eye witness told how smoke was pouring out of upper windows and windows were falling out in the fierce heat of the fire as passers-by kicked down the front door amid fears there might be people trapped inside the property. The fire service arrived just as the door was kicked in, but the property was found to be empty.

Fire in Coslany Street, Norwich (Image: George Fayers) (Image: Archant)

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

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.'

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

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.

'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.

The scene at a fire which tore through a three storey house in Coslany Street, Norwich. Picture: staff (Image: Archant)

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

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

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