AN ARSON investigation was underway today after fire caused severe damage to a telephone exchange in East Bergholt.Hundreds of homes were believed to be without phone lines after the blaze took hold in the exchange's single storey building in Gaston Street.

AN ARSON investigation was underway today after fire caused severe damage to a telephone exchange in East Bergholt.

Hundreds of homes were believed to be without phone lines after the blaze took hold in the exchange's single storey building in Gaston Street.

Fire crews from Hadleigh, Holbrook, Manningtree and Colchester tackled the fire, which also damaged a van.

It broke out at 9.15pm last night and spread through the roof of the building, which measured 15 by 20 metres.

It was extinguished by after nearly two hours at 11.10pm.

The cause of the blaze is thought to be suspicious.