Fire crews from Lowestoft North and South fire stations tackle a fire at a flat in Roman Road.

Emergency services were called today at 12.06pm to reports of a fire at a premises in Roman Road- close to the junction with Stanford Street in Lowestoft.

Police officers as well as an ambulance officer, a rapid response vehicle and an ambulance from the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) are also attending the incident.

Miss Wilson, a resident of Roman Road, said: 'My oldest son was in our upstairs bedroom and heard an explosion as one of the windows at the flat smashed at about midday today.'

'I was round the corner at a shop and ran back as soon as someone said there was a fire near my house- it was scary.' Stephanie McCarthy, also of Roman Road, added: 'We were told it was like an explosion and we could see smoke coming out from the windows and shortly afterwards fire-fighters arrived and they have done brilliantly.

'My first reaction was 'I hope no one is in there'. I think its especially upsetting for this to happen to someone just before Christmas.'

A police spokesman said: 'Roman Road and Stanford Street are currently closed and members of the public are asked to avoid the area. The cause of fire is not known at this stage.' The fire was brought under control by 1.34pm but fire crews and police remain at the scene while investigating the cause of the fire.