STAFF at an Ipswich store are clearing up today after fire damaged part of a shop front.The Next store in Westgate Street was hit by fire at about 6.

STAFF at an Ipswich store are clearing up today after fire damaged part of a shop front.

The Next store in Westgate Street was hit by fire at about 6.30pm yesterday when rubbish outside the building is believed to have caught light.

One fire engine from Princes Street arrived at the scene to discover the blaze had spread to the shop window. Another fire engine then attended and the fire was out by 7pm.

About five per cent of the listed building was damaged by the blaze although none of the stock inside was destroyed.

An ambulance was also called to the scene although there is no indication whether this was related to the fire.

A spokeswoman for Suffolk fire service confirmed: "We had a call for someone with a cut to the head but we are not sure if this was related to the fire. There was a call that an ambulance was required in the area."

An ambulance arrived in the area at about 6.45pm and stayed at the scene for about ten minutes. No one was taken to hospital.

The fire has not been recorded as suspicious but store manager, Ray Wilson said CCTV in the street and opposite the store at Marks and Spencer's would be examined.

He would not comment further on the fire but said the shop would be open as usual today as there had been no damage to stock.

A spokeswoman for Ipswich police said: "The fire appears to be accidental at this stage but fire investigators are going to visit the scene today to see if there has been an offence."