Suspicious fire at empty former pub and Chinese takeaway

Firefighters spent more than two hours tackling the blaze that was confined to an empty ground floor building.

The aftermath of the fire at the former pub and Chinese takeaway restaurant site on Durban Road in Kirkley, Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) The fire was in a 20m by six metre section of the derelict building that forms part of the former Kevill Arms Public House - which has been closed a number of years - on Durban Road in Kirkley, Lowestoft.

Previously a Chinese takeaway restaurant, police and three fire crews were called to the scene following reports of a building blaze at 6.25pm on Friday, November 8.

With two crews from Lowestoft South fire station and a crew from Wrentham fire station, a brigade spokesman said: "The fire was confined to the ground floor - approximately 20m x 6m.

The aftermath of the fire at the former pub and Chinese takeaway restaurant site on Durban Road in Kirkley, Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) "Six firefighters in breathing apparatus were deployed, using two hose-reel jets and a larger covering jet.

"The building was then ventilated using positive pressure ventilation (PPV) fans."

They spent almost two-and-a-half hours tackling the blaze, with the scene cleared and incident declared closed at 8.49pm.

The Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service spokesman added: "There were no casualties and while a cause is yet to be pinpointed there had been reports of children setting off fireworks inside the building, which was reported to the police."

The aftermath of the fire at the former pub and Chinese takeaway restaurant site on Durban Road in Kirkley, Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) With Suffolk Constabulary alerted, they said they were called to the scene of the blaze in "an empty building - a former Chinese takeaway" at 6.36pm.

A police spokesman said: "The cause of the fire remains suspicious and there were reports of youngsters playing with fireworks.

"We have launched an investigation but there are no suspects that have been identified."

Information should be directed to Lowestoft police on 101.