Aerosol can exploding on heat source likely cause of Princes Street blast, police say
Police believe an aerosol can exploded after being placed on a heat source, causing a blast that damaged windows at a block of flats on Princes Street, Ipswich – with the road and building now reopened and residents allowed back.
Why it matters: A man remains in custody as investigations continue, though the road and homes affected by Friday night's incident have now reopened to the public.
The details: Police were called to Princes Street just before 20:45 on Friday, 31 July, following reports of a suspected explosion at a block of flats, which caused damage to several windows.
- Suffolk Fire and Rescue and the East of England Ambulance Service also attended.
- Residents of the property were evacuated as a precaution and Princes Street was closed for public safety.
- A police scene remains in place, but the building and road have now reopened, with residents allowed to return.
- No injuries have been reported.
- At 21:05 on Friday, an 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson/criminal damage with intent to endanger life. He was taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning, where he remains.
Enquiries continue to establish the full circumstances of the incident.
What they're saying: Police say that "at this early stage of the investigation, it is believed that an aerosol can had exploded after being placed on a heat source."
The bottom line: With the likely cause now identified as an aerosol can exploding on a heat source, Princes Street has reopened and residents are back in their homes, though a man remains in custody as police continue their enquiries.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Suffolk Police via www.suffolk.police.uk/tell-us or by calling 101, quoting 37/45092/26. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org. In an emergency, always call 999.
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