A devastated man has told how he popped out for 15 minutes from his home in Wells only to return and find it on fire.

Ricky Robson, 25, had been enjoying dinner with friends at 12 Northfield Waye last night but after his visitors left and he went out for a few minutes a fire broke out.

When he returned to the property at around 11.15pm his neighbour told him it was on fire.

'I've lost everything,' he said. 'My cat has died in the smoke, a laptop, all my music, clothes, my grandfather's suit, photographs, everything.

'I am glad all my neighbours are safe and I will have to figure out a way of moving on, but everyone has been so supportive.'

The house is owned by Victory Housing Trust and a member of staff has been to see Mr Robson this morning to discuss his living arrangements.

Five crews from Wells, Fakenham, Holt and Hunstanton were called to attend the fire at 11.16pm last night.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used main and hose reel jets supplemented by a hydrant to extinguish the fire.

Crews returned to the property this morning and a police cordon is in place.

A spokesman for Norfolk Fire and Rescue said at 6.27am today crews returned to check the property and said all occupants were accounted for.

A police spokesman said it was not yet known how the fire started but a CSI team (Crime Scene Investigation) would attend with fire investigators today to try and establish the cause.