Iona Goodall

An explosion on Bridge Street in Bungay created a hole in the pavement outside the Grade II listed Hermitage, caused heat damage and prompted a road closure and emergency response. Fire crews could not determine the cause despite using gas-monitoring and thermal-imaging equipment. A fault on an underground cable cut electricity to 73 properties, including the Chequers Inn, which closed for the remainder of the day. UK Power Networks restored power by 10.20pm and later continued cable repairs, while temporary traffic lights remained in place.

Police and forensic officers established a cordon outside a building on Elm Street in Ipswich on Sunday morning after local residents reported police activity. No further details or injuries had been confirmed, and Suffolk Police had been asked for comment. The report also recounted an unrelated suspected explosion at a block of flats on Princes Street, where residents were evacuated, no one was injured, and an 18-year-old was arrested on suspicion of arson or criminal damage with intent to endanger life.

Suffolk Police are searching for 41-year-old James Smith after he was reported missing from HMP Hollesley Bay during a roll call. Smith, who has connections to Ipswich and Essex, is described as white, around 5ft 9ins tall, of slight build, with blue eyes, brown hair and a moustache. The public is advised to call 999 if they see him or contact police on 101 with other information.

A new reformer Pilates studio, Native Pilates, will open at Hungate Court in Beccles, founded by instructor Ajia Forster and managed by Laura Martin. The studio plans to open on August 17 with introductory passes available from July 30 and will offer signature classes suited to various experience levels. Preparations and community engagement have been underway, with the team hinting at the launch through social media earlier in the year.

Power was restored to the final five of 116 homes near the Dunwich Heath wildfire after UK Power Networks had shut off electricity in the Saxmundham IP17 area for safety. The fire, which began on Wednesday evening, prompted a major incident declaration and forced evacuations. Firefighting operations continued with multiple engines and support vehicles, and were expected to continue into the following week.