AN investigation is underway today into an arson attack on an Ipswich house.Fire crews were called to the blaze in Springfield Lane after dense smoke filled the house, which was still under construction.

AN investigation is underway today into an arson attack on an Ipswich house.

Fire crews were called to the blaze in Springfield Lane after dense smoke filled the house, which was still under construction.

The property was not being lived in and neighbours have told how they believe the fire was started by vandals.

The fire broke out at about 8.45pm on Saturday and as it spread dense smoke forced neighbouring residents to close their windows.

Suffolk Fire Service confirmed it believes the fire was started deliberately and residents say the house – one of a pair of semi-detached homes being built at the Norwich Road end of the street – is regularly targeted.

One neighbour said: "They've been building the two houses for more than two years and they are often vandalised and have people hanging around them.

"It's getting on our nerves that they can't be finished and people can't move in.

"Quite a lot of electrical equipment was stolen from them once and just a few weeks ago some of the upstairs ceilings were kicked in and one of the bathrooms smashed up."

Another said: "I had police knocking on my door some time ago saying there had been a theft and asking if I'd seen any vans about.

"That was a stupid question as there are always vans about this area.

"I also had to call police a couple of weeks ago because a group of about 30 kids were screaming and making a nuisance of themselves but they said they didn't have the resources to get any officers down here."

Chartered Surveyors company TMA have posters in the windows of the two properties, warning vandals CCTV is in use.

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