Dramatic footage shows a car ablaze in Norwich city centre.

Eastern Daily Press: A car burst into flames in Grapes Hill, Norwich. Photo: ArchantA car burst into flames in Grapes Hill, Norwich. Photo: Archant (Image: Archant)

It happened at around 12.49pm on Grape's Hill, in the bus lane heading towards the roundabout.

Police had to close the road in both directions while fire crews battled the blaze, but it has since reopened northbound, away from the roundabout.

The owner of the car managed to escape and said he had experienced nothing but trouble with the vehicle since he bought it second hand.

A Norfolk Fire and Rescue spokesman said crews from Carrow and Earlham were on the scene, using hose reel jets to extinguish the fire and wearing breathing apparatus. They added it was a diesel car.

Eastern Daily Press: A car burst into flames in Grapes Hill, Norwich. Photo: ArchantA car burst into flames in Grapes Hill, Norwich. Photo: Archant (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: A car burst into flames in Grapes Hill, Norwich. Photo: ArchantA car burst into flames in Grapes Hill, Norwich. Photo: Archant (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: A car burst into flames in Grapes Hill, Norwich. Photo: ArchantA car burst into flames in Grapes Hill, Norwich. Photo: Archant (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: A car burst into flames in Grapes Hill, Norwich. Photo: ArchantA car burst into flames in Grapes Hill, Norwich. Photo: Archant (Image: Archant)