Armed police are at a bank in Norfolk, after reports that a man entered with a homemade flamethrower and threatened to set fire to the building.

Emergency services were called to Barclay’s Bank in The Street, Acle, between Norwich and Great Yarmouth, at 12.20pm today to reports of a man making threats inside the bank.

He was armed with a blowtorch and a petrol can - but it is not thought the device was alight.

Officers and crews from Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service quickly attended and a Taser was discharged before the man was put in a police van. It is believed the majority of staff inside the building managed to escape through the back door.

Jackie Clover, who runs Clover Tea Rooms opposite the bank, said: “I feel sorry for the girls who were inside the bank. It must have been terrifying.”

A man has been arrested and has been taken to Great Yarmouth police investigation centre for questioning.

Three police cars remain at the bank this afternoon carrying out further inquiries.