A elderly woman has died in a blaze which raged at a property in Hemsby yesterday.

Eastern Daily Press: The fire at Fakes Road, Hemsby. Picture: Nigel Crosby.The fire at Fakes Road, Hemsby. Picture: Nigel Crosby. (Image: Archant)

Emergency services, including police, fire and ambulance were called to Ormesby Glebe, off Fakes Road, in Hemsby at around 7.20pm yesterday (Sunday, March 4, 2018).

A cordon was put in place and a number of nearby properties evacuated as a matter of precaution.

The road was still closed this morning.

It is too soon to confirm what started the fire, which appears to be under control.

Eastern Daily Press: Scene of a fire in Hemsby. Photo: Anthony CarollScene of a fire in Hemsby. Photo: Anthony Caroll (Image: Anthony Caroll)

However, there is an ongoing investigation by Fire and Rescue Service to determine the cause.

Crews from Martham, Great Yarmouth, Gorleston and Acle were called to the blaze.

A spokesman in the fire service control room said firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were on scene.

People living near to the blaze have been urged to keep their windows and doors closed.

Eastern Daily Press: Scene of a fire in Hemsby. Photo: Anthony CarollScene of a fire in Hemsby. Photo: Anthony Caroll (Image: Anthony Caroll)

A 55-year-old man who lives near to the blaze scene, but who did not want to be named, said: 'I heard a noise and I went to the front door and saw it. There was a crackling and there was a bang.'

Karlie Grey, 31, who lives nearby, was at home with her husband and young daughter when she heard crackling and banging from across the road.

She said: 'I thought it was somebody having a bonfire, when I looked out we saw flames and smoke.'

Another neighbour, 91, who did not want to be named added he had known the woman who lived at the home, and her daughter would often pick her up and visit her.

He said it was 'horrible news' that she had died. He said it took firefighters around 45 minutes to bring the blaze under control, but they remained on the scene for up to three hours.

Keith Kyriacou, chairman of Hemsby Parish Council, said: 'I'm absolutely gutted, it's another bit of devastating news for Hemsby. My condolences are with the family and the council will help in any way we can.'

Tributes have also been paid on the Great Yarmouth Mercury Facebook page.

Andrea Fox said: 'Sad god bless that old lady our thoughts are with the family.'

Tracey Buckland said: 'RIP to the person who passed away my thoughts are with the family.'

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service tweeted: 'We are dealing with a building fire near to Fakes Road. Due to the amount of smoke and fumes keep windows and doors closed.'

Police are also on scene and have urged people to follow the fire service's advice.