01 August 2026 , 21:21
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A man has been arrested after a ‘suspected explosion’ that saw residents forced to evacuate a block of flats.
Police were called to Princes Street in Ipswich shortly before 9pm last night after people called in to report several windows being blown out.
Residents in the building were told to leave their homes, and the road was closed for safety reasons.
An 18-year-old man was arrested soon after on suspicion of ‘arson/criminal damage with intent to endanger life’, Suffolk Police said.
He was taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.
No injuries were reported in the incident.
Although the investigation into the explosion is ongoing, it is believed an aerosol can exploded after being placed on a heat source.
Police said there were no injuries and residents have been allowed to return after they were evacuated as a precaution.
Princes Street has also reopened after it was closed for safety reasons, the force said.
Suffolk Fire and Rescue and the East of England Ambulance Service were also called to the scene.
A police spokesperson said: ‘A man has been arrested following an incident in Ipswich.
‘Police were called to Princes Street just before 8.45pm on Friday, July 31, following reports of a suspected explosion at a block of flats, which caused damage to several windows.
‘At approximately 9.05pm, an 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson/criminal damage with intent to endanger life.
‘Enquiries continue to establish the circumstances of the incident, however no injuries have been reported.
‘Motorists are advised that a diversion is currently in place, as Princes Street is expected to remain closed overnight.
‘Anyone with information relating to the incident is asked to contact police.’
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