FOR years it was the subject of artist's paintings but today, after a suspected arson attack, this beach hut is just a sight for sore eyes.

FOR years it was the subject of artist's paintings but today, after a suspected arson attack, this beach hut is just a sight for sore eyes.

Burnt to the ground, there is nothing left of the rickety fishing hut which the town's Fryer family has loved for almost a decade.

And the arson attack, which happened shortly after 2am on Saturday , is not thought to be the only incident to have happened along Felixstowe's seafront.

Another family told The Evening Star of other vandalism and stealing offences which have happened close by.

Peter Fryer sold fish from the beach hut, in Undercliff Road West, near to the Spa Pavilion, for years. He and his family visited it in summers as well as celebrating the new millennium there.

Hundreds of pounds worth of damage has been caused by the fire with outboard motors, nets, fishing rods and surf boards all destroyed.

His wife Diane Fryer, of Tomlin Road, Felixstowe, said: “We had a call from a friend early Saturday to tell us of the damage.

“We were shocked but didn't realise how bad it was until we went to look ourselves.

“All I can say right now is that we are in a state of shock.

“It was such a prominent landmark in Felixstowe which has been pointlessly destroyed.”

The family now face the huge task of clearing up the mess left on the beachfront.

Just a week before, Louise Lynch discovered her two boats, kept next to the beach hut, had been tampered with.

Mrs Lynch, of Chester Road, said: “The ropes which bind them had been loosened and the lids removed.

“It looked like people had tried to get the boats off the stand and take them away but were unsuccessful.

“There used to be a catameran stored here as well which went missing that night.

“I don't know who the owners are to find out whether they have removed it or it has been stolen.”

Anyone who has any information about the fire or other vandalism events along the seafront is asked to contact Felixstowe police on 01473 613500.

N Have you seen any vandalism along the seafront? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk