Arsonists being hunted

POLICE are today investigating an arson attack which destroyed thousands of pounds worth of tools in two Ipswich workshops.

The blaze occurred as firefighters were at the scene of another blaze involving compost at the Foxhall Road landfill site.

A toddler alerted his pregnant mother, Kate Jackson, after spotting flames shooting from conifer trees at the bottom of their garden in Sandpiper Road, Ipswich.

The fire, which started just after 1pm yesterday, destroyed a third of their garden, fencing, and gutted two workshops belonging to the woman's next-door neighbour Brian Roper.

Ms Jackson, 20, said: "My little boy, Taylor, was shouting Daddy and I came downstairs and heard the fire roaring. I looked out the kitchen window and could not believe it.

"The flames were reaching the top of the conifers, which are about five metres high. I just grabbed Taylor and went next door. I was worried because there were sparks falling and the wind was blowing, so it looked as if it was coming towards the house."

Meanwhile their neighbour on the other side, Michael Fiddaman, 67, used a hose to try and stop the flames spreading.

His partner Lorna Goss, 65, said: "It was frightening. I had not been home from work long and I thought it was a chimney fire at first. I looked out and saw the trees on fire."

Mr Roper, 66, formerly of Brian Motors, had more than £6,000 worth of tools including electric welders, lawnmower, shredder, new compressor and fishing rods, completely destroyed by fire.

Leading firefighter Stephen Gardner of Princes Street fire station arsonists cause unnecessary distress for people and tie up the emergency services who could be used elsewhere in an accident or house fire.

The blaze at Foxhall landfill site covered nearby areas with smoke. Crews remained on site overnight as a precaution.