Huge blaze at packed holiday camp

Screaming children in their swimming costumes were today forced to flee a Center Parcs holiday camp as it was destroyed by fire.

As the blaze tore through the main dome of Center Parcs in Elveden, Suffolk, the building began collapsing. The fire brigade described it as a "major incident".

Parents and children ran from the swimming pool in the dome after the alarm sounded at 10.15am. Initially they took refuge on the badminton courts and were wrapped in foil blankets. However, the holidaymakers were evacuated when the fire began to threaten the whole complex.

About 100 firefighters and 12 fire engines fought the blaze in a bid to prevent it spreading to trees surrounding the park, where the holiday centre's 900 chalets are set.

Witness Mark Smith, 34, was watching his two children play football in the grounds when he heard the alarm. He said: "People with swimming costumes on were running out. It looks like total damage. It looks like the main roof has completely gone. There's a risk of falling debris. It's coming down all over the place. It's the Easter break so the place is very full."

A spokesman for Norfolk Fire Service said the fire was confined to the main buildings at the centre of the facility containing the restaurant, kitchen and main plaza. He said: "It is a major incident. Men and machines from Norfolk and Suffolk are attending."

Cambridgeshire Fire Service later joined the crews, sending a 100ft high turntable ladder to the complex.

Police said the fire had broken out in the catering block. A spokeswoman said: "We're not aware that anyone has been hurt."