Man barricaded in house threatens to set it on fire

Police say a man who has barricaded himself in a house for more than 24 hours is threatening to "set fire to it" if anyone enters.

Officers were called to Coast Road, Hopton-on-Sea, near Great Yarmouth, shortly after 11:30 GMT on Wednesday, following reports a man had made threats when attempts had been made to evict him.

In a statement, Norfolk Police said: "When officers arrived on scene, the man was locked inside his address, refused to leave and said he had containers of petrol in the property that he would set fire to if anyone entered."

Hopton Church of England Primary Academy opposite the property was evacuated and the county council advised it would remain closed on Thursday "as a precautionary measure".

A school staff member - who did not wish to give her name - said the incident had "caused major disruption" for the children.

She added being evacuated from the building was "very scary" and some of the children had been confused and were crying.

"We walked the children up to Potters [holiday park] and they were able to house us all there until parents were able to pick them up," she said.

"It was just a very surreal experience. Things like this just don't happen in a village like Hopton."

Michael Scott, the managing director of Potters Resorts, which runs the holiday park nearby, said it had been "happy to welcome the children" and entertain them before their parents collected them.

"I'm very proud of our team, who worked alongside the teachers to make sure every child was safe, comfortable and looked after," he added.

The council said the pupils would learn remotely on Thursday, with details shared via ClassDojo.

"We thank families for their understanding and will provide further updates regarding opening as soon as possible," a statement said.

Natalie Stevens, who lives in the area, said she had got a call from her partner on Wednesday morning telling her "someone's got bombs or petrol or something".

She said her household of six people were now all staying in one room at the back of their property.

"It's scary. You don't know how big the explosion could be or the fire or whatever. That's everyone's homes and lives," Stevens added.

She said the street had several elderly residents who would find it hard if they could not get to the corner shop or receive deliveries.

Emergency services, who have been at Coast Road overnight, remain at the scene and a 300m cordon (985ft) is in place while officers and negotiators speak to the man.

Norfolk Police said some residents had returned home, but two households "remain displaced".

The force has advised people to avoid the area.

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