INVESTIGATIONS are underway today into two fires in Suffolk that are believed to have been started by arsonists. In East Bergholt, today, remains of a 100 tonne hay fire were still smouldering today after a blaze lasting more than 10 hours.

INVESTIGATIONS are underway today into two fires in Suffolk that are believed to have been started by arsonists.

In East Bergholt, today, remains of a 100 tonne hay fire were still smouldering today after a blaze lasting more than 10 hours.

Fire crews were called to the blaze at Putticks Lane, East Bergholt, at yesterday where baled hay had caught alight.

No buildings were at risk but fire fighters kept watch overnight to ensure it did not spread to a neighbouring hedge. The fire service is not ruling out arson.

Crews were expected to stay at the site as a safety precaution until noon today.

And yesterday , firefighters were called to a garage blaze at the back of the Quality Hardware store in Reynold's Road, Ipswich.

Flames ripped through the building at around 3.45pm and although the whole building was alight but there was no risk to houses or shops nearby.

The only things inside the shed was an old mattress and a couple of domestic appliances.

Brian Deane, owner of Deane Racing, Reynolds Road, said: “First of all I smelled some smoke and thought it was a bonfire.

“I went out the back to have a look and could see flames coming out the building. I called the fire brigade. You could see it wasn't just a dustbin alight.”