Police have arrested an 18-year-old following a suspected explosion at a block of flats on Princes Street, Ipswich, late on Friday evening. Suffolk Constabulary said officers were called to reports of a suspected blast just before 8.45pm, prompting the evacuation of nearby residents as a precaution.
Custody and investigation under way
The teenager was taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre and remains in custody. He has been arrested on suspicion of arson and criminal damage with intent to endanger life, the force confirmed. A full probe to establish the circumstances of the incident is continuing.
What happened at the scene
Suffolk Police said investigators believe an aerosol can exploded after being placed on a heat source. There were no reported injuries. After emergency services assessed the location, the affected building and road were reopened and residents were allowed to return.
- Incident reported shortly before 8.45pm on Friday
- Residents evacuated from the immediate area as a precaution
- No injuries reported
- Arrest made: 18-year-old held on suspicion of arson/criminal damage with intent to endanger life
- Investigation ongoing; witnesses urged to contact police
"Anyone with information is urged to contact Suffolk Police, on 101 quoting 37/45092/26."
Emergency response and local impact
Officers from Suffolk Constabulary were supported at the scene by Suffolk Fire and Rescue and the East of England Ambulance Service. The precautionary evacuations and temporary road closure would have immediately affected households and traffic on Princes Street; police later confirmed the area was reopened once safety checks were completed.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| Just before 8.45pm | Reports of a suspected blast; emergency services called |
| Evening | Residents evacuated; ambulance and fire service in attendance |
| Later | Building and road reopened; residents allowed to return |
| Following the incident | 18-year-old arrested and taken to Martlesham custody |
Police described the investigation as in its early stages and asked anyone with information to contact them via 101, quoting incident reference 37/45092/26. For Ipswich residents, the incident will be a reminder of the potential dangers associated with misusing aerosol canisters and heat sources; the police inquiry will seek to clarify the precise chain of events that led to the explosion.
