Arson inquiry into fire in flat

A flat has been severely damaged in a suspected arson attack in Suffolk which put lives at risk, police said.

The fire broke out in the ground-floor flat in Shadingfield Close, Lowestoft in the early hours and forced the evacuation of neighbouring residents.

Police said the flat was unoccupied at the time and no-one was injured but officers are treating the fire as arson with intent to endanger life.

A Suffolk Police spokeswoman appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said fire crews arrived at the property to find smoke billowing from the roof.

Three fire crews brought the blaze under control.