Firefighters tackled a blaze at a flat of a popular pub in Lowestoft where there was a suspected gas leak.

East Anglian Daily Times: Fire damage to a flat at the rear of the Bayfields Hotel and Bar on the High Street in Lowestoft.Picture: James BassFire damage to a flat at the rear of the Bayfields Hotel and Bar on the High Street in Lowestoft.Picture: James Bass (Image: (C) Archant Norfolk 2014)

Police in Lowestoft are appealing for witnesses after a suspicious fire at a flat of a popular pub in the town.

Crews from Lowestoft, Beccles and Great Yarmouth were called to the Bayfields Hotel and Bar in High Street, Lowestoft about 9pm last night (Friday).

The brigade spokesman confirmed that there was a fire in the first floor flat of the three storey building and a gas leak was initally suspected.

A subsequent fire investigation today has found the cause of the blaze to be suspicious and is being treated as arson.

East Anglian Daily Times: Fire damage to a flat at the rear of the Bayfields Hotel and Bar on the High Street in Lowestoft.Picture: James BassFire damage to a flat at the rear of the Bayfields Hotel and Bar on the High Street in Lowestoft.Picture: James Bass (Image: (C) Archant Norfolk 2014)

Three fire crews from Lowestoft South, one from Lowestoft North station, a crew from Beccles and the Command Unit, and a crew from Great Yarmouth tackled the blaze at the historic High Street premises.

The road was initially cordoned off as the fire was tackled, and crews remained at the scene until just before midnight as there was lots of smoke and a reported gas leak inside, with engineers from Transco attending.

The brigade spokesman said that eight fire fighters wearing breathing apparatus and three water jets were used to put out the blaze, with the scene clear by 11.53pm.

This morning, windows at the building were left open as the premises was covered in police tape, and officers were outside the High Street venue. A no smoking sign was situated on the pavement, close to the main entrance.

This was later replaced by a sign from Transco engineers at the hotel entrance, following the suspected gas leak.

The 19th Century hotel and public bar consists of a Victorian three storey structure surrounded by a mixture of shops, houses and flats in the historic High Street area of Lowestoft.

It is understood that the premises had been recently revamped, and re-opened under new ownership after the refurbishment in the past couple of months.

Anyone who has information should contact Detective Sergeant Steven Bracey at Lowestoft CID on 01473 613500 quoting reference LO/14/5954, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.