Large black plumes of smoke were seen from a scrap metal yard where a fire broke out.

East Anglian Daily Times: Smoke has been spotted from miles around Picture; NANCY HOWLETTSmoke has been spotted from miles around Picture; NANCY HOWLETT (Image: Archant)

Firefighters were called shortly after 11am to the Sackers yard in Needham Market.

Several people spotted the plumes of smoke, with one witness reporting that it could be seen from the A14.

A spokesman for Suffolk Fire and Rescue said that crews had been called to reports of machinery and rubbish which had caught fire at the yard.

At the scene of the fire, Station Commander Kevin Oxford said: "We were called to a fire at a recycling waste centre and the crews were faced with a developing fire that was affecting a piece of plant machinery and also a surrounding paper waste area.

East Anglian Daily Times: A fire caught out at the Sackers yard at Needham Market. Picture: SOPHIE BARNETTA fire caught out at the Sackers yard at Needham Market. Picture: SOPHIE BARNETT (Image: Archant)

"They managed to contain the fire to the remaining plant machinery and the surrounding area, but as a precaution we made up to two further appliances.

"We are now in the process of having dealt with that fire and removing the affected waste material to a safe area.

"It was probably 60 to 90 minutes of work for us."

Four engines were sent to the scene from Ipswich East, Princes Street, Stowmarket and Elmswell and firefighters were liasing with the Environment Agency.