An 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson following an explosion at a block of flats in Ipswich town centre on Friday evening. Emergency services were called to Princes Street shortly before 8:45 p.m. after reports of an explosion that caused damage to several windows of the property.

Suffolk Police detained the suspect at around 9 p.m., charging him with arson and criminal damage with intent to endanger life. The man was taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning and remained in custody as investigations continued.

As a precaution, residents of the affected building were evacuated, and Princes Street was temporarily closed to ensure public safety. All residents have since been allowed to return, and the road has reopened. There were no reported injuries related to the incident.

Emergency services, including Suffolk Fire and Rescue and the East of England Ambulance Service, attended the scene. Preliminary inquiries suggest the explosion may have been caused by an aerosol can that ignited after being placed near a heat source, though police have not confirmed the exact cause as the investigation remains ongoing.