AN ARSON investigation has been launched by police after two cars were torched in an Ipswich street today.

AN ARSON investigation has been launched by police after two cars were torched in an Ipswich street today.

The drama unfolded in Nacton Road, between Levington Road and Salisbury Road, shortly after 3.45am when residents were awoken by the sound of the blazes, which were around 100 yards apart.

The first car, a Renault Clio, was under control by 4.04am with firefighters using a water fog.

The second blaze, which engulfed a Fiat Punto, also spread to a hedge row, wheelie bins and a telegraph pole. Crews used doused the flames by 4.02am.

Alenka Noakes, owner of the Clio, had only taxed and insured the vehicle days earlier.

She said: “I was woken up and instantly saw the flames. I was in a daze at first.

“The fire was huge and I looked up the road and could see the other car alight.

“I have had the car for about a year but I just taxed and insured it. But the excess is �500 so I don't think it'll be worth me claiming.”

The owner of the Punto, who asked not to be named, said: “I heard a bang and saw the flames.

“It was burning the trees and a fence. I was worried it would spread to the house but the fire brigade were here within three or four minutes and they had put it out after ten minutes.

“It's sad because I have had the car since 1996 and it only had 50,000 miles on the clock.”