ARSONISTS are being hunted today after an explosion in a shed blasted through the door of a nearby flat.

By NAOMI CASSIDY

naomi.cassidy@eveningstar>

ARSONISTS are being hunted today after an explosion in a shed blasted through the door of a nearby flat.

Firefighters had to rescue a dog from the living room of the flat in Chessington Gardens following the blaze which spread from a shed in Springfield Lane.

The owners of the dog called Honey said she is recovering well today and was not harmed during the incident.

Fire fighters said the blaze was started deliberately in the shed which then spread to fencing before setting light to the flat.

It is thought there was something combustible in the shed, causing a blast, which blew through the side door of the flat.

A fire crew from Princes Street attended the scene at around 3pm and rescued a dog from the living room.

Her owner, Mark Austin, 22, who has lived in the flat for a year with his girlfriend, Charlene Goddard, said: “I was called away from work as my mum said there had been a fire.

“The dog was fine and is with my mum now.

“It is only the hallway and the door that is damaged. My girlfriend's quite upset with it.”

The flames were out by 3.30pm.

Arsonists struck again at 11pm yesterday as firefighters from Princes Street were called to tackle a car on fire in Chantry Park, on the Hadleigh Road side.

Police are also looking for three youths, who set fire to the grassed area at the rear of the school playing fields in Ravenswood Avenue at about 4.30pm Friday, September 7.

The first suspect is described as a boy, aged about 11 years old, 5ft 5ins, slim build and with dark hair. The second suspect is also a boy, aged about nine, 5ft, slim build with fair hair.

A police spokesman said: “These people don't realise the dangers of fires.

“We would ask people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.”

Anyone with information about any of these incidents should Ipswich Police on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.