The landlord of seven flats which were gutted by a major blaze in Lowestoft has said a full fire service investigation will not take place until a structural survey is finished.

The fire started on Saturday afternoon in the flats above Vin-Tro and High Street Furnishings shops on the High Street

Landlord of the seven flats, Jason Taylor, said that investigations into the cause of the fire would not be able to take place until the structural survey of the property containing the flats is completed.

Mr Taylor said he has been told by the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service that the survey to ensure the foundations of the building are safe will not be complete until Thursday morning.

Eastern Daily Press: Bird's eye view captured by a drone showing the aftermath of the terrible fire which gutted seven flatsBird's eye view captured by a drone showing the aftermath of the terrible fire which gutted seven flats (Image: Oliv3r Drone Photography)

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A Suffolk Fire and Rescue spokesman said: "The latest update remains the same that the building structure is still unsafe.

"Until assessments into the structure's safety are complete, the fire investigation into the cause of the fire cannot happen on safety grounds."

Thirteen fire engines were called to the scene to tackle the blaze, which saw two people rescued.

Neighbours had spoken of their shock at the scale of the fire, with some saying it was a "miracle" that no one had been injured in the major incident.

People also praised firefighters for their quick actions in rescuing the two people and containing the blaze.

READ MORE: Hero builders save man from burning building

Nearby residents were asked to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke. 

It has also emerged that on Friday, police had been called to the block of flats to handle what was described as a "medical episode" by a Suffolk police spokesman.

The fire has also seen three households moved into temporary accommodation by East Suffolk Council.

Eastern Daily Press: The blaze gutted seven flats above two shops on the High StreetThe blaze gutted seven flats above two shops on the High Street (Image: Mick Howles)

 

 

 

 

Eastern Daily Press: A drone shot showing the aftermath of the fire Picture: Oliv3r Drone PhotographyA drone shot showing the aftermath of the fire Picture: Oliv3r Drone Photography (Image: Oliv3r Drone Photography)

 

Eastern Daily Press: Firefighters at the scene of the serious fire in LowestoftFirefighters at the scene of the serious fire in Lowestoft (Image: Mick Howles)