A village high street was sealed off this afternoon after firefighters found explosive gas canisters at the heart of a workshop blaze.

James Mortlock

A village high street was sealed off this afternoon after firefighters found explosive gas canisters at the heart of a workshop blaze.

Four fire crews were called to tackle the blaze off Ixworth High Street near Bury St Edmunds at 3.45pm today.

Police were advising people to stay away from the area and the community hall has been identified as a rendezvous point in the event of a full blown evacuation order.

Pupils at nearby Ixworth Middle School have been told to stay indoors until they can be collected by their parents.

The fire, at the 370 square metre Fordham and Sons garage, is thought to involve oxyacetylene tanks as well as cars.

Fire crews were called in from Ixworth, Elmswell and two from Bury.