A fire station has been destroyed by a blaze.

Eight fire appliances were called from across Norfolk and Cambridgeshire after flames were spotted coming from the windows of the fire station in Downham Market, Norfolk, at about 12.30am.

The blaze started in a bay where the station's fire engine was housed. Nobody was injured.

Norfolk's deputy chief fire officer, Roy Harrold, told the BBC: "Normally we go to other people's fires, but tonight we had to go to our own."

Norfolk's chief fire officer, Nigel Williams, said: "Our priority today is to provide full fire cover for the people of Downham and I am pleased that this has been achieved very quickly." An investigation has been launched into the fire.

The town's fire crew has been provided with new equipment and a replacement fire engine, which is being kept at the nearby police station.

Dan Roper, Norfolk county council cabinet member for public protection, said: "Although incidents like this are very rare, we have contingency plans in place to deal with emergencies such as this.

"This event reminds us that nobody is immune when a fire breaks out."