Large flames and thick smoke could be seen from a distance after a blaze began on the Norfolk coast.

Several fire crews were called to tackle the flames at Snettisham Coastal Park just after 11.30am on Tuesday (July 19).

Six fire engines arrived at the scene after receiving reports of a fire in the open.

The appliances from West Walton, Swaffham, Dereham and King's Lynn are currently at the scene.

Witness Les Bunyan said he had spotted the smoke from the A149.

He said: "I'm a tour guide for Wild Ken Hill and live two miles away so wanted to see where about it was.

"It was confined to the coastal park west of the inner sea defence."

Dominic Buscall, Wild Ken Hill manager, said that while it was too early to say how bad the damage was, a lot of wildlife has been lost.

He said: "Unfortunately we have a bad fire in the coastal park at Wild Ken Hill.

"Too early to say how bad the damage is, but certainly much wildlife lost.

"Climate change is here and we need a massive acceleration in our efforts against it."

Wildlife could be seen destroyed following the blaze with smoke billowing in the background.

Witnesses were left shocked after the fire spread along the west Norfolk coastline towards a campsite in Heacham.

One local said the campsite had been evacuated with diggers on standby to create a fire break.

A Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service spokesman confirmed firefighters were still battling the blaze.