A MAN arrested in connection with a blaze which saw four people led to safety by firefighters has been released on bail.

Specialist fire investigators were at the Bahar kebab shop, opposite the Hare and Hounds public house, yesterday trying to determine the cause of the blaze and explosion which blew out the front of the premises.

A spokesman for Suffolk Constabulary said it was not known how the fire began.

A 33-year-old man from Ipswich was arrested on suspicion of arson at 1.45pm yesterday but released on bail until June pending further investigation.

Officers are today continuing to trawl CCTV in the area and conducting house-to-house enquiries as part of the inquiry.

A 250 metre section of Norwich Road was cordoned off from Barrack Corner to just past Orford Street during the morning.

Debris and the illuminated sign above the shop were strewn on the pavement and road outside.

The four adults, who were believed to be in flats above the shop at the time of the fire, were helped to safety through a rear courtyard by police and firefighters.

A spokesman for the ambulance service said although paramedics were sent to the scene, no one was taken to hospital for treatment.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service was alerted just after 3.15am and two fire crews from Princes Street attended the premises, which are used as a kebab shop with a flat above and a basement below.

The fire is said to have started in the basement and spread to all floors and the roof.