Arson arrest after funeral home damaged in fire

Smoke could be seen billowing from the fire at the funeral home on Saturday

A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a funeral home was severely damaged in a fire.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service was called to Andrew Bingham Independent Funeral Service in Stowmarket just after 18:00 BST on Saturday.

Suffolk Police said a 47-year-old man arrested in connection with the incident in the early hours of Sunday was released on bail until 24 November.

A statement on the funeral home's website said: "We would like to reassure all our families that your loved ones are safe and have been respectfully moved with the utmost of care to our nearby premises."

Several appliances were sent to the scene of the fire

Crews were sent to Milton Road South from Stowmarket, Needham Market, Bury St Edmunds, Debenham and Haverhill.

The Bingham family wrote: "It is with regret that we have to inform you of a devastating fire which has severely damaged our funeral home.

"We will be in contact with you as soon as we can. We understand this is very distressing for all our families but we ask you to be patient until we are able to update you with further information."

The company said its 24-hour phone line was still operational.

The fire service remained at the scene until shortly before 07:00 on Sunday

Sam Dellbridge, manager of the funeral home, told BBC Radio Suffolk on Sunday morning that his staff were "devastated" by the fire.

"Obviously our first thought was for the deceased who are under our care, and their loved ones," he said.

"We acted as fast as we could and the emergency services did an incredible job attending the scene in a matter of minutes, and prioritised the recovery of [people's] loved ones."

Mr Dellbridge said the community and other local independent funeral companies had "really stepped up and shown so much support".

He added: "I'm just so sorry something like this has happened, but we're doing all we can to help and support our families."