ARSONISTS are being hunted after a blaze ripped through a barn and took down power lines which left hundreds of people without electricity.The fire off the A1120 at Pettaugh, broke out at about 8.

ARSONISTS are being hunted after a blaze ripped through a barn and took down power lines which left hundreds of people without electricity.

The fire off the A1120 at Pettaugh, broke out at about 8.35pm on Saturdayand saw the destroyed 1,000 tons of bailed straw and the barn.

Around 20 firefighters, from Needham Market, Debenham, Stowmarket and Framlingham and a communications unit from Felixstowe were called.

The all clear was not given until nearly ten hours later the fire could be seen ten miles away.

Barn owner John Kerridge, a hay and straw merchant who lives near the barn, is angry at the loss of straw and the barn, which he only bought a year ago.

He said: "This is not the first time we have had a fire. Three years ago an outside stack went up, it was never proven that that was arson, although it was suspected.

"It is insured, but it will be a job to rebuild. The straw was feed for horses and was already sold. I'll have to let people know."

The road was closed by police overnight smoke poured across the A1120 and as firefighters allowed the fire to burn, making sure it did not spread.

Sub officer Philip Collins, from Framlingham, said: "We stopped the fire spreading through hedgerows and the road was closed from about 9pm on Saturday until 8.30am the following day.

"The barn is unsafe and we are letting the fire burn out. The fire's cause is unknown and is being investigated. At the moment we think it is suspicious."

Claire Byrd, spokeswoman for EDF Energy Power, said: "Supplies to approximately 500 customers in the Pettaugh area were interrupted at 8.40pm on Saturday.

"Engineers investigating the fault found overhead power lines had been brought down close to a barn fire, being dealt with by the fire brigade.

"The lines were isolated and power supplies to most customers were restored between 10.10pm and 10.20pm. Further power supplies were restored shortly after 11pm.

"Unfortunately, power supplies to a small number of customers could not be restored until early on Sunday morning. The incident is being investigated."

Anyone who saw anything suspicious should call Suffolk police on 01284 774100.