A FIERCE blaze engulfed two derelict homes which are being renovated in a Suffolk town.Four fire crews tackled last night's blaze in Union Street West, off Gipping Way, Stowmarket, just after 6.

A FIERCE blaze engulfed two derelict homes which are being renovated in a Suffolk town.

Four fire crews tackled last night's blaze in Union Street West, off Gipping Way, Stowmarket, just after 6.30pm.

Initially two fire engines from Stowmarket and Needham Market were sent to the fire.

But when the crews arrived and found the buildings well alight, they called for assistance from Elmswell and Debenham.

It is understood arson is suspected as several people were seen running away from the scene just before the fire started.

Photographer Will Barber, 19, of Old Newton, was visiting friends at a neighbouring house when the fire broke out.

He said: “We saw people congregating outside. We didn't know what was happening but when we went outside we saw the fire. Both the homes were absolutely blazing – there were a lot of flames.”

Mr Barber, who runs William Barber Photography, said at one stage an electrical cable fell down onto the bonnet of his car but he was able to move the vehicle away from the danger zone.

He also praised the rapid response of fire crews: “The fire brigade were there so quickly. They did a really great job.”

Fire crews brought the blaze under control just after 7.30pm.