Police in Ipswich are investigating a fire at a house in Franklin Road which is being treated as a suspected arson attack.

Several bags of rubbish and bin liners were set alight at the rear of the house between 10.30pm and 11.45pm on Tuesday.

One neighbour described how they heard a “loud bang”.

A Suffolk Constabulary spokesman said that no one was injured but it had caused some damage to the house.

“The incident is being treated as arson with intent to endanger life and detectives are exploring possible motives for the incident,” the spokeswoman added.

The fire service said the fire was put out by the occupant, and sent a fire engine to the property for safety checks on Wednesday morning.

The neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I was sat in my lounge and heard a loud bang.

“It sounded like an aerosol can being thrown into a fire.

“I saw the flames through the fence and my husband got a hose to help put out the fire. It was a bit concerning.”

Firefighters are assisting police in their investigation. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on 101.