POLICE are today investigating a spate of incidents in an Ipswich street that ended with the rescue of a cat from a house fire set by arsonists.A spokeswoman for Ipswich police confirmed officers were likely to link the fire with an attempted burglary and theft from a car all in Gippeswyk Avenue.

POLICE are today investigating a spate of incidents in an Ipswich street that ended with the rescue of a cat from a house fire set by arsonists.

A spokeswoman for Ipswich police confirmed officers were likely to link the fire with an attempted burglary and theft from a car all in Gippeswyk Avenue.

The fire broke out at a bungalow at about 3.15am, destroying a front door and causing smoke damage inside the property.

As the door melted it caused noxious fumes to spread through the home.

Geoff Pyke, assistant divisional officer with Suffolk Fire Service, said: "Because the door was made of UPVC the smoke released as it burnt was very thick carbon smoke.

"Had there been occupants it could have been potentially very serious and we are going to investigate the exact cause. We are treating the fire as suspicious."

The owners of the property were away for the evening but their young cat was rescued uninjured.

Ron Vincent, 66, lives next door to the bungalow but was unaware of the fire until later in the morning.

He said: "It is usually fairly quiet around here but there was a bit of noise over the road between 11pm and 12.30pm.

"I went to bed at 12.30pm and didn't hear anything else."

Three fire engines were called to the scene and the fire was put out by 4am.

Meanwhile, at 3.30am, an offender attempted to break into a home in the street by smashing a window.

The intruder was disturbed by the owners of the property but was not seen.

At 4am police also received reports that someone had broken into a car in the street and stolen a handbag and purse. The owner had last been to the car at 6pm yesterday.

Police are appealing for anyone with information about these incidents to contact Ipswich police on 01473 613500.