Sudbury house fire is suspected arson, police confirm

The derelict house went up in flames just after 3am this morning Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

There were initially fears that someone may be trapped inside the burning house at Salisbury Terrace yesterday but it was later confirmed the property was empty.

Four crews were called to the blaze just before 3am and Gainsborough Road was closed for three hours while firefighters fought the flames.

Three neighbours next to the house were also evacuated during the incident and described seeing flames pouring out of all four windows.

The empty house has been gutted by the fire Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

A spokesman for Suffolk police confirmed the blaze is suspected to be arson.

One of the neighbours, Linda Jackson, who had to vacate her home, said: ““I had a look out of the window and saw thick black smoke coming out.

“The police came and told me and the two neighbours either side of me that we would have to evacuate. We went to another neighbour’s house but we were back about 6am.

“The police and fire service were excellent.”

Police also said the building may have suffered some structural damage as a result of the fire.