Locals in Worlingham fear arsonist behind string of fires

Three major fires have been reported in Worlingham, near Beccles, in less than three weeks.

All three were at empty or deserted structures or buildings, but the blazes have still caused thousands of pounds of damage.

Police are still investigating the cause of the outbreaks but have already been able to confirm that at least one was started deliberately and that one is 'suspicious'.

Locals fear that they are the work of the same arsonist, or group of arsonists, and called for action to be taken to reassure the community.

The first blaze broke out in a caravan which had been left by the side of the A146 on the outskirts of the village, at around 8.20pm on March 14.

The caravan on fire beside the A146, Worlingham (Image: North Lowestoft Fire Station)

Three days later, on March 17, the village's former community centre on Rectory Lane caught fire in the early hours of the morning.

The venue, which had closed down in 2008 after asbestos was found inside, was completely destroyed in the inferno.

The latest fire started at a farmer's storage barn, also on Rectory Lane, at about 6pm on Sunday.

Smoke plumes from the private farm all down Rectory Lane (Image: Submitted)

More than 30 tonnes of straw caught alight, and fire crews from seven stations had to fight the flames through the night.

The following morning, smoke was still billowing across the area. Fire officers said it would continue to smoulder for at least 24 hours after it started and told residents to keep their doors and windows closed.

Police have already confirmed that the community centre fire is being treated as arson.

The barn fire investigation is at an earlier stage and is currently categorised as "suspicious".

Officers were not able to give a status on the investigation into the caravan fire.

They declined to comment on concerns from locals that a serial arsonist was behind the blazes.

All three incidents are in a 500m radius.

Amy Baldry, who lives opposite the barn, said she had seen people hanging around near the building in recent weeks.

"Police were made aware of this and have come to check on the area, and then suddenly last night the barn goes up in flames," she added.

"They look too old to think that arson is okay. I don't think the three fires we have had lately are any coincidence."

The services worked all through the night to contain the barn fire as the controlled blaze continues (Image: Submitted)

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Chloe Coulson, who also lives nearby, said: "These fires in Worlingham are becoming the norm. It is not very nice.

"It is an unsettling feeling there have been three fires in such a short space of time. The whole community is concerned."

Firefighters arrive on the scene of the barn blaze on April 2 (Image: Submitted)

Another Rectory Lane resident, who lives in view of the barn, said: "Worlingham is up in flames. This is becoming ridiculous. The whole community is worried and concerned."

Another local added: "We are concerned about the fires in a short space of time. We want to go on holiday but are afraid to leave.

"We are afraid as we just don't know what is going to happen next."

Dave Crocker lives near the community centre.

He said was awoken by the noise of the fire, which he said sounded like gunfire.

He said: “I woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of gunshots and crackling, I didn't know if I was in a dream having just woken up.

"I went out in my jimjams and the old community centre was up in flames, smoke everywhere."

The aftermath of the community centre fire (Image: Bruno Brown)

Firefighters tackle the blazing community centre (Image: Suffolk Fire and Rescue)