A woman has been found dead after on as an investigation was launched into the cause of the blaze.

The unnamed victim was discovered at the home in the Old Catton area of Norwich yesterday. Fire crews had been called at around 4am and the blaze was extinguished “some time later”.

A cordon by Norfolk Constabulary was put up and is expected to remain in place for some time and the woman’s family have been informed. The force said in a statement: “Police were called to assist the fire service on Carterford Drive, Norwich at 4.22am today (Thursday 26 December 2024) following reports of a fire at a residential property.

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“Officers attended the scene and sadly the body of a woman was found within the property. Her next of kin have been informed.

“The fire was extinguished and there is currently a police cordon in place which will remain for some time. The cause of the fire is currently unexplained and enquiries are ongoing.”

Fire teams from North Earlham, Wroxham, Aylsham, Hethersett, Acle and Long Stratton attended the incident. The urban search and rescue team from Dereham also joined the incident, which also included an aerial ladder platform from Great Yarmouth.

A spokesman for Norfolk Fire and Rescue added the incident had been "difficult" for the teams sent to the scene. They added: “The thoughts of everyone at Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service are with the family and friends of the resident who tragically died in Norwich this morning.

“We would like to thank all of our staff involved in this difficult incident and our emergency services colleagues.”