An investigation is under way after a fire broke out at a house on a residential estate in the early hours.

Seven fire engines from across mid-Norfolk were called to the blaze at 4am on Sunday morning at the Green Lane estate at Pudding Norton, near Fakenham.

Eastern Daily Press: Gutted house on the Green Lane estate at Pudding Norton after the fire.Gutted house on the Green Lane estate at Pudding Norton after the fire. (Image: Submitted)

Pictures taken by onlookers show a two-story home engulfed in flames with much of the roof gone as firefighters battled to control the blaze.

Fire officers and a pump appliance remained at lunchtime on Sunday. Police officers were also at the scene with the property cordoned off.

An investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding the cause of the fire.

A person living on Green Lane estate said: "It was really quite scary.

"It happened around half past three this morning when we were awoken by the smell of smoke.

"We went to check it out and make sure everything was okay, but you could not see through all the smoke.

"All you could see was smoke, but you hear the flames and then we saw them breaking and roaring through the windows.

Eastern Daily Press: Gutted house on the Green Lane estate at Pudding Norton after the fire.Gutted house on the Green Lane estate at Pudding Norton after the fire. (Image: Submitted)

"It looks like the fire has completely destroyed the roof of the block of flats. There were sparks flying through the air and going around street."

Green Lane estate is a cul-de-sac of both two-story houses and bungalows off the A1065 between Hempton and East Raynham.

The site also includes a number of prefab style homes.

Crews from Fakenham, Wells, Holt, Swaffham, Reepham, Kings Lynn and Dereham attended the incident.