ARSONISTS are believed to have been responsible for a blaze in a derelict former motorcycle store in Ipswich.They believe the fire in the former Revetts building last night, which was spotted by a passer-by at about 8.

ARSONISTS are believed to have been responsible for a blaze in a derelict former motorcycle store in Ipswich.

They believe the fire in the former Revetts building last night, which was spotted by a passer-by at about 8.30pm, was started by deliberately.

Smoke was seen billowing out of the second floor of the building, in Norwich Road, and four crews from Ipswich attended the incident.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus smashed a door to get in to the building, which has been empty for a number of years, while others tackled the flames from a turntable ladder.

Paul Seager, assistant divisional officer with Suffolk Fire Service, said the fire was contained to a wooden partition between two concrete pillars.

"It was set alight at the bottom and burned its way up, but it obviously wasn't going to go far," he said.

"There was quite a lot of smoke and on a still, warm night like this it's not moving quickly.

"It looks as if it was kids playing about rather than a serious arson attempt – we know the building was insecure and we have reported it to the police. There was no-one about when we got here."

Anyone who might have information about the incident is asked to call Suffolk police on 01473 613500.