AN Ipswich family told how they fled for their lives as fire tore through a block of flats.Today, fire investigators were due to pick through the wreckage that was once a home.

AN Ipswich family told how they fled for their lives as fire tore through a block of flats.

Today, fire investigators were due to pick through the wreckage that was once a home.

The fierce blaze left another 11 families homeless.

Homes were evacuated after a fire ripped through the block of flats in Downside Close, Ipswich.

Two homes were completely destroyed in the blaze which started soon after 7 pm last night.

The blaze began in a third-floor flat and spread quickly to its neighbouring apartment through the roof space as more than 30 firefighters fought back the flames.

During the fire, neighbours reported hearing two loud explosions, flames shooting into the sky and thick black smoke filling the cul-de-sac.

FULL STORY AND DRAMATIC PICTURES IN TONIGHT'S EVENING STAR