Neighbours shocked by a devastating flat fire in which a person died and two people lost their homes have rallied round to help those affected by the blaze.
Cindy McWade and Ursula Tame were two of the residents on the scene of the terrible incident in Roman Road, Lowestoft at lunchtime on Friday (December 2).
'It was shocking how quickly the fire developed from just a few bits of smoke,' said Mrs Tame, who shouted at one of resident to get out of the block of flats.
Another eyewitness described how people desperately tried to save the life of a person trapped inside.
As the nearby St Andrew's Church provided refuge for two residents in the flats whose homes were badly damaged, Mrs McWade and Mrs Tame wanted to do something to help.
The pair are organising an appeal for the survivors and are calling on people from the community to donate items that might help them at this difficult time.
'We felt devastated for the people there,' said Mrs Tame, 36, of May Road, Lowestoft.
'You have to put yourselves in your shoes – what would you do?
'If we were in that situation, we would hope people would try to help us.'
They are appealing for people to donate everything from electrical items to smaller goods, such as a change of clothes and food.
The pair also plan to visit nearby businesses to ask if they can support with donations and are being supported by St Andrew's Church.
'We're looking for something to help them out and let them know that people from the local community are thinking about them.'
Mrs McWade, 34, of Stevens Street, Lowestoft, said of the fire scene: 'When you see the state of the place, it is horrific.
'You hear about fires but you never expect them to be as bad as that.
'It's heartbreaking that they've lost everything this close to Christmas.
'We just want to do something to help.'
The Revd Damon Rogers, vicar at St Andrew's Church, said: 'Members of the Roman Hill community are trying to help the two men affected by providing them with a hamper of goods.
'Of course this will not replace everything that has been lost, but we hope this gesture will help them during this difficult period.'
A Suffolk Police spokesman said the cause of the fire is not believed to be suspicious.
An investigation by Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service to determine the cause of the blaze is ongoing.
Anyone who can donate should contact the Revd Rogers on 07584 551443 or Mrs McWade on 07881 773962.
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