Police have launched an appeal as they continue their investigations into a fire at a former care home in Gorleston.

Eastern Daily Press: Fire fighters at the former Russell Lodge care home. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYFire fighters at the former Russell Lodge care home. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

The fire broke out at Russell Lodge on Lowestoft Road at about 9.45pm on Tuesday, shortly before it was meant to be auctioned.

The building was not occupied at the time but was badly damaged in the fire which is thought to have started on a first floor balcony.

The property was meant to be auctioned with a guide price of £250,000 and officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen people near the property in the three days before the blaze.

Once it was established that the building was empty, it took firefighters 40 minutes to douse the flames.

Anyone who may have seen or heard anything out of character in the area should contact Det Con Jon Cotterell at Great Yarmouth CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.