ARSONISTS are believed to have started a major blaze in Hemsby on Tuesday night in which 100 tonnes of straw bales went up in flames. Homes close to the blaze on Ormesby Road had to be evacuated as more than 40 firefighters battled the fierce flames.

ARSONISTS are believed to have started a major blaze in Hemsby on Tuesday night in which 100 tonnes of straw bales went up in flames.

Homes close to the blaze on Ormesby Road had to be evacuated as more than 40 firefighters battled the fierce flames.

Nearby homes became logged with thick black smoke billowing from the blaze - setting off several smoke alarms.

Police closed the Ormesby Road at the junction with Thoroughfare Lane while nine fire crews from Yarmouth, Gorleston, Martham, Acle, Lowestoft, Stalham and Wroxham, tackled the fire.

With fears that the fire could affect overhead electricity cables the electricity board were also called to the scene.

Crews were alerted shortly before 8.45pm and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used hose reel jets to bring the fire under control and continued to damp down the scene until 2am the next morning.

A police spokeswoman confirmed the fire was being treated as suspicious and anyone with information should contact police of 0845 456 4567 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Picture: Mike Peake