Two vehicle fires broke out within minutes in adjacent Ipswich streets late last night in a suspected arson attack.

The fires were reported in West End Road at 11.39pm, and then behind the Malthouse, in Princes Street, at 11.47pm.

A third vehicle fire, reported in Great Gipping Street at 11.52pm, turned out to be a false alarm. Firefighters were stood down but paramedics attended the scene. However, there were no casualties, and the ambulance crew also left the scene at 12.11am.

Police said they also responded to two of the fires, with a red Mini and a blue Peugeot involved.

Officers are currently investigating the cause of the flames, but said it was a suspected arson attack.

A resident of Centrum Court, Pooleys Yard, witnessed a red mini on fire behind the Malthouse.

“I was sitting on the sofa and heard a car horn,” he said. “I thought it was just kids mucking around but looked out to see a car on fire.

“I called 999 at about 11.40pm but the fire engine was already on its way. The fire must have burned for about 30 or 40 minutes.”

A spokesman from Ipswich Borough Council which operates the car park said they had sealed off the space and were assisting the police in their investigation.

Anyone with information should call Suffolk police on 101, with reference 65280/16.