The onlookers in Harleston described smoke billowing from St John's Church in Broad Street, as fire crews tackled the fire.

A cordon was put up around the site after the blaze broke out at around 4pm today.

One person who witnessed the fire said: "I’ve never seen smoke like it.

"The plumes were enormous and engulfed the whole sky. I can’t quite believe this has happened to such a historic and beautiful landmark building right in the centre of town.

"I am just in shock, frankly."

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© Eastern Daily Press