Fire engulfs Budgens at Holt in North Norfolk

  • Video report from ITV Anglia's Natalie Gray

Fire has destroyed the only supermarket in Holt in North Norfolk.

Crowds gathered as the fire burned fiercely through the building.

The shop was closed at the time because it's been shutting early during the coronavirus pandemic.

Morning revealed the true scale of the devastation at the Budgens store Credit: ITV Anglia

Eighty two people worked at the shop and the owners say they are devastated and heartbroken.

They're trying to work out a way to continue to support the vulnerable after Budgens had been delivering to people isolating at home.

  • Video from Dave Ballard shows how the fire roared through the building

Crews from across North Norfolk were called to tackle the blaze but were unable to save the building.

Firefighters from Holt, Sheringham, Cromer, Fakenham, Wells, Aylsham, Reepham and Mundesley were at the scene.

The supermarket is a major employer in the town and also houses the town's Post Office.

The Budgens shop in Holt burning Credit: Lee Smith

Norfolk Fire and Rescue and Norfolk police have asked people to stay away from the scene.

The shop is run by the Baker family and prides itself on stocking food from local suppliers and running a delivery service for the elderly and local people.

C T Baker thanked emergency services for their efforts and said there were no reports of any injuries.

Only the shell of the building remains Credit: ITV Anglia