A community leaders has thanked the emergency services who responded to the huge straw fire which broke out in a mid Suffolk village on Monday evening.

The blaze in Dagworth Lane in Haughley saw up to 9,000 tonnes of straw catch fire and prompt a huge emergency services callout.

Suffolk police is investigating the fire as possible arson, after farm owner Andrew Chaplin told the EADT he believed the blaze was started deliberately.

Fire crews remained at the scene on Wednesday morning.

Rachel Eburne, deputy leader of Mid Suffolk District Council and ward member for Haughley, urged locals to remain vigilant as the straw continues to burn.

Stowmarket Mercury:

She said: “Thanks very much to the emergency services for their prompt response to this and their ongoing monitoring of the situation as the straw is still burning.  

"I understand no-one has been injured and am thankful for that.

“It is also fortunate that the fire has not been blown towards woodland and residential areas but locals do need to remain vigilant and follow advice of the emergency services as appropriate.”

The stack of up to 9,000 tonnes of straw went up in smoke at about 9.30pm on Monday.

Stowmarket Mercury: The fire was in Haughley near Stowmarket

About 60 firefighters attended the scene and there throughout Tuesday as the blaze continued to smoulder.

Mr Chaplin predicted that the fire service would have to be on site for up to three weeks to fully put out the fire.

A spokesperson from Suffolk police said: “We received a report of a fire in Dagworth Lane, Haughley at 10.18pm on Monday night from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service.

"We are working with our colleagues from the fire service to investigate the cause which has been reported as a possible arson.

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Suffolk police quoting reference 37/20829/24.”

No livestock or people were injured by the fire.