A MANHUNT to catch the person who torched an Ipswich building has been launched by police.An investigation by Suffolk Fire Service has concluded that arson is the most likely cause of the blaze that tore through the roof of a derelict building in College Street.

By Matt Eley

A MANHUNT to catch the person who torched an Ipswich building has been launched by police.

An investigation by Suffolk Fire Service has concluded that arson is the most likely cause of the blaze that tore through the roof of a derelict building in College Street.

Police have now started a criminal investigation to catch those responsible.

Fire broke out on the roof of the building, which was previously used as offices by Burton's confectioner's, at about 2.45am on Wednesday April 10.

Nobody was hurt in the blaze as 45 firefighters responded to quickly get the incident under control.

Assistant Divisional Officer Carl Francis, based at Princes Street, Ipswich, said: "From our point of view the conclusion we have drawn is that the most likely cause of the fire is of malicious intent."

The future of the damaged property is still unclear, but as it is a listed building it is likely to remain in place.

Mr Francis added that while the roof was virtually destroyed by the blaze the main structure of the building was not extensively damaged.

A spokeswoman for Suffolk police confirmed that an investigation was under way to find the arsonists.

She said: "We have had a good response from the public in relation to this incident and would urge anyone with any information to contact us."

The fire was the fourth or fifth incident at the building, a well-known haunt for vagrants, that crews had been called to in the same week. All were of doubtful origin.

It is the second major fire near Ipswich docks in as many years. In 2000 St Peters Warehouse, also known as Paul's, was completely destroyed by fire and later collapsed.

Anyone with information about the fire should call Pc Daniel Ormes on 01473 613500.