People and puppies rescued from fire in Great Yarmouth

People and several puppies have been rescued by firefighters tackling a large blaze at a shop and flats.

It broke out at about 05:20 BST in Northgate Street in Great Yarmouth and Norfolk Fire Service sent nine crews from across the county to the scene.

It said several people were helped out via the stairs but one had to be rescued by a ladder from a top floor window.

A number of puppies were also rescued by crews and were being given oxygen at the scene.

Writing on Facebook, the fire service said: “Our crews are currently working hard at the scene and have asked any members of the public to avoid the area and to keep doors and windows closed.”

Great Yarmouth fire station manager Chris Harding-Hook said: “Within one of the flats were some puppies and we rescued those animals.

“Our appliances are equipped with special oxygen masks to administer oxygen and make sure their lungs are clean.”

He said the ambulance service was assisting firefighters in giving first aid to the animals.

People were also evacuated from flats either side of the building that was on fire, and were being looked after at a nearby pub which opened its doors early to provide hot drinks.

Mr Harding-Hook said the roof of the stricken building had “completely collapsed”.