ARSONISTS are being blamed for a blaze that ripped through the storage area of plastics factory in Suffolk yesterday.

Jonathan Schofield

ARSONISTS are being blamed for a blaze that ripped through the storage area of plastics factory in Suffolk yesterday.

More than fifty firefighters from crews across west Suffolk battled for two hours to bring the flames under control at Chase Plastics in Brandon.

A police spokesman said they were appealing for witnesses following the outbreak of the fire in the early hours of Saturday morning.

She said: “It appears that suspects may have started the fire near to the perimeter fence at the rear of the premises, which has then spread to the storage area causing significant damage.”

Residents living close to the site of the plastics recycling company said they heard two explosions at about 2am.

Fire crews from eight stations began arriving at the scene on the London Road Industrial Estate shortly afterwards.

Traffic was diverted via the A11, six miles from the town, for several hours.

Three crews remained at the scene for most of Saturday and police maintained diversions until the site was safe.

Firefighters prevented flames from reaching the main building so the company could continue operations but others were severely damaged.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious to call Forest Heath CID on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.