Norfolk: Pictures capture Walsingham village hall fire

The building in Walsingham was left devastated after the blaze yesterday afternoon (January 30).

Fire crews from Wells, Fakenham and Holt were called to the scene at 4.30pm and spent almost three hours tackling the fire, using hose reel jets and a hydrant to extinguish it.

Norfolk Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident as a suspected arson attack.

The early stages of the fire at Walsingham Village Hall (Image: St Mary & All Saints Church with Walsingham & Barsham Benefice)

The roof was completely destroyed and eventually collapsed due to the fire.

John Williamson, whose living room looks out over the village hall, was one of the first to spot the fire.

The 77-year-old said: "I was looking out my window when I spotted smoke and it looked like someone was having a bonfire.

"it looked like the fire had started in a big commercial wheelie bin outside which then spread to the kitchen and roof.

"The place is completely gutted out."

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John Williamson, 77, was one of the first on the scene after spotting smoke coming from Walsingham Village Hall (Image: Denise Bradley)

Mr Williamson, who was born in the village, believes the loss of the village hall is "devastating" for the local community.

He added: "It took years for the village to fundraise the money to build it.

"The place was really well used and was busy every day offering hot meals and drinks.

"It is devastating and it will really affect the village. It was the community hub."

The fire ripped through Walsingham Village Hall's roof (Image: Michael Walsh)

St Mary & All Saints Church with Walsingham & Barsham Benefice said on Facebook: "Devastating to see this happen to our community today.

"As a church family we have greatly appreciated the place that this village hall has played in the life of our community over many years.

"We pray for hope at this time."

An aerial ladder platform was used by Norfolk fire crews to tackle the Walsingham blaze (Image: Michael Walsh)

Norfolk Police also attended the scene and closed the road while fire crews worked to get the fire under control.

Smoke billowed into the sky as the fire ripped through Walsingham Village Hall (Image: Michael Walsh)

The roof collapsed following the fire (Image: St Mary & All Saints Church with Walsingham & Barsham Benefice)

No one is currently believed to have been injured in the blaze.

The aftermath of the fire at Walsingham Village Hall (Image: The Society of St Margaret Walsingham)

The aftermath of the fire at Walsingham Village Hall (Image: Norfolk Fire Service)

Engineers inspect the aftermath of the fire at Walsingham Village Hall (Image: Denise Bradley)

The fire is believed to have started in a bin (Image: Newsquest)

Walsingham Village Hall has been destroyed in a fire (Image: Denise Bradley)

The fire service and police are currently working together to determine the cause of the fire.

A spokeswoman for Norfolk Constabulary said it is believed the fire was started in a bin.

Anyone who has information can contact the police on 101 quoting crime reference 36/7595/23 or call Crimestoppers anonymously.