Firefighters at gas explosion in Norwich

Emergency services at the scene of a gas explosion on Norvic Drive in Norwich. Picture Twitter/NorwichPolice (Image: Archant)

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service and police were called to reports of a fire caused by a damaged gas pipe in Norvic Drive on Tuesday morning.

Fire crews from Earlham, Carrow and Sprowston along with the environmental protection unit attended the scene at around 9.34am.

Fire crews at the scene of a gas explosion in Norwich. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

North Earlham station manager Alan Jaye said only one house was affected and neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution.

Firefighters cordoned off the area after extinguishing a fire which had began at the rear door. 'We had a gas leak which, fortunately for us, ignited,' Mr Jaye said. 'If [a gas leak] doesn't ignite it spreads round, but if it comes out as a flame it burns out.

Fire crews at the scene of a gas explosion in Norwich. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

'The gas board cut out the supply to the property. There were no injuries and damage to the property was minimal.'

The road had been closed near to Bluebell Road and reopened at around 11.20am.