Worlingham fire: Teenager arrested over barn arson

Three major fires have broken out in Worlingham, near Beccles, in as many weeks and locals fear a serial arsonist has been starting them.

The most recent incident saw 30 tonnes of hay catch alight in a barn on Rectory Lane at around 6pm on Sunday evening.

The fire lasted throughout the night and into the next day.

Police have confirmed the fire was started deliberately and have made an arrest.

Officers are also appealing for witnesses.

A spokesman said: "A group of young people was seen leaving the barn shortly before the fire was reported.

"One person has been questioned by police and bailed pending further inquiries."

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The fire followed two earlier blazes, the first of which saw a caravan parked by the side of the A146 destroyed on the night of March 14.

A few days later, a disused community centre, also on Rectory Lane, was destroyed in a blaze which started at around 2am on March 17.

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

Police have confirmed that this was started deliberately. They have not given an update about the caravan fire.

All three incidents were within a 500m radius.

Locals have spoken of their fears at the spate of fires.

One said: "Worlingham is in flames. The whole community is worried and concerned."

The hay barn burnt all night - police have arrested a teenager for starting the fire (Image: Submitted)Caroline Topping, county councillor for the area, said: "I understand and share the concerns of the local community.

"This is an unusual string of fires in Worlingham in a short period of time.  I am confident the fire and police services are doing all they can.

"Starting fires can have serious consequences. The empty village hall was very near to people's homes and if it had been windy, it could have easily turned into the buildings and caused devastation.

"As it is, windows and doors had to be kept closed so that potentially harmful smoke was kept out."

The police spokesman added: "If anyone has information, images or footage which could help the inquiry please contact Suffolk Police, quoting crime reference number: 37/19157/23."

Smoke filled the air 24 hours after the fire at the barn on Rectory Lane (Image: Submitted)

An image showing the emergency services working through the night to control the barn fire (Image: Submitted)