Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service have urged the public to bin batteries properly after 1,200 fires were caused in the last 12 months.

The fire service took to social media to issue a warning to the public in the wake of further large scale fires in the county.

The service said across the UK, 1,200 fires were started by batteries in bin lorries and at waste sites. 

At the start of the month, more than 70 firefighters were called to a huge fire at the Sackers recycling centre in Great Blakenham. 

Huge disruption was caused as roads and train lines were impacted.

Firefighters believe the fire which caused by a discarded battery.

At the weekend crews were called to  Scrapco in Red Lodge, in west Suffolk, after a fire began in the scrapyard.

The company said: "We had a severe fire Friday evening, the cause being a lithium battery. We do not accept these batteries.

"These batteries have caused many fires a various recycling facilities, we are the latest victims of these types of batteries being hidden in loads of scrap delivered."

The service urged for the public to recycle their batteries and electricals correctly. 

A link to the Suffolk recycling page was added which says: "Many items such as tv remotes, toothbrushes, vapes, shavers, chargers and toys contain batteries which are not always obvious. Batteries can cause fires if not disposed of correctly."

The website urges people not to throw batteries away in the rubbish bin.