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Felixstowe man arrested as six escape Ipswich house fire in suspected arson attack

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Six people fled a house fire in Ipswich early Tuesday morning in what police believe was a targeted arson attack. Two residents were hospitalised after jumping from an upstairs window to escape the blaze.

The big picture: Police are treating the fire as suspicious and have arrested a 24-year-old man from Felixstowe in connection with the incident. Eleven residents from neighbouring properties were evacuated.

Police remain at the scene of the suspected arson attack on Portman Road
Police remain at the scene of the suspected arson attack on Portman RoadOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk
A burnt out window of a house on Portman Road
A burnt-out window hints at the damage insideOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

Key details:

  • The fire broke out at a property on Portman Road just before 5:20am on Tuesday, August 13

  • Six people were in the house at the time - four escaped uninjured

  • A man and woman were taken to hospital with leg fractures and smoke inhalation after jumping from an upstairs window

  • Police believe it was a "localised and targeted attack"

  • Ipswich Borough Council is accommodating evacuated neighbours in a refuge centre

What's next: Police have set up a crime scene and are appealing for witnesses or anyone who saw suspicious behaviour in the area before the fire.

How to help: Anyone with information should contact South CID at Landmark House in Ipswich, quoting reference 45775/24. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

The bottom line: This suspected arson attack has left two people injured. Police are urging the community to come forward with any information that could aid their investigation.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Ipswich Regent and Corn Exchange announce star-studded spring entertainment lineup

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The Ipswich Regent Theatre and Corn Exchange have unveiled their spring season programme, featuring top comedians Jimmy Carr and Jack Dee alongside Strictly Come Dancing stars and music tributes.

The big picture: The spring season spans multiple entertainment genres, bringing a variety of performances to Ipswich:

  • Eight major comedy shows running from February to April

  • Six Strictly Come Dancing professionals performing individual shows

  • Two classic opera productions

  • Multiple music tribute acts and performances

Regent Theatre and Corn Exchange spring lineup
Regent Theatre and Corn Exchange spring lineupIpswich Theatres

Key performances

Comedy:

  • Paddy McGuinness: Nearly There (20 February)

  • Jack Dee: Small World (27 February)

  • Chris McCausland: Yonks (18 March)

  • Mo Gilligan: In The Moment World Tour (22 March)

  • Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny (9 April)

  • Rob Beckett: Giraffe (15-16 April)

Dance:

  • Giovanni Pernice (21 March)

  • Amy Dowden and Carlos Gu (23 March)

  • Karen Hauer and Gorka Marquez (28 March)

  • Nikita Kuzmin (19 April)

Music:

  • BOYZLIFE (26 January)

  • Big Girls Don't Cry (14 February)

  • The Darkness (6-7 March) - sold out

  • Rumours of Fleetwood Mac (23 April)

  • Illegal Eagles (25 April)

Opera:

  • Madama Butterfly (4 February)

  • La Bohème (27 March)

What they're saying: Councillor Jane Riley, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Culture and Customers, said: "We're thrilled to present an exciting new season of shows at the Ipswich Regent Theatre and Corn Exchange, which are designed to delight, inspire, and entertain."

The bottom line: All shows are now available to book through the Ipswich Theatres website, except for The Darkness performances which have sold out.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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