The fire broke out at 2.28pm on Wednesday after starting in Nicholas and Julie Broad's garden at Old School House next to The Compass School at Lingwood.

Nicholas Broad, an ex-air ambulance pilot, said that the sheer speed of the blaze took him by surprise and did not have time to reach for his fire extinguisher.

The fire then spread from a tall hedge into the school car park, setting fire to multiple cars.

A fire service investigation ruled it was an accident caused by burning of straw which spread to the hedge.

READ MORE: North Walsham 330 home development plans met with backlash

The blaze ravaged the hedge and spread into the school car park (Image: Jack Warren, Newsquest)

© Norwich Evening News