Arson hunt after lorry is torched

ARSONISTS are being hunted today after a delivery lorry was deliberately torched in a residential area of Ipswich.

Fire crews and police were called to a spot outside the Baptist Church on Nansen Road shortly before before 12.40am after the windscreen of the W-reg lorry was smashed and the cab area set alight.

Two youths were seen running from the area.

The burnt-out white Mercedes Atego lorry was half parked on a grass verge and today glass littered the roadway from its smashed windscreen. The roof was completely destroyed by the flames and the vehicle appeared to be empty.

One fire crew from Colchester Road spent nearly 20 minutes bringing the blaze under control.

Police today condemned the actions of the offenders saying their irresponsible actions could have endangered the lives of nearby residents.

Inspector Andy Solomon confirmed that police are treating the blaze as suspicious.

He said: "The people who carry out these crimes have no regard for other people's property and don't think about the consequences of their actions.

"Had the lorry exploded, which could have easily happened, serious damage and injury could have resulted.

"That's why we desperately need to track down the culprits and bring them to justice.

"I would imagine residents in the area are concerned as the incident happened so close to their homes."

"We are anxious to trace two youth who were seen running off in the direction of Beatty Road and would also like to hear from anybody who saw or noticed anyone acting suspiciously."

Tony Judge, Senior Executive of PF Whitehead, based in Croydon, who own the lorry, said: "We are aware of the incident and we will be having the vehicle removed today in order that a through investigation as to how the fire started can be carried out.

"The lorry carries out home deliveries and was parked there overnight."