Greater Anglia train disruption due to fire at recycling centre at Great Blakenham in Suffolk

  • Video from Ed Baker / X

More than 70 firefighters have been tackling a huge fire at a recycling centre near a railway line, with the operation expected to last through the night.

It started in a scrap metal section at the Sackers centre in Great Blakenham, north-west of Ipswich, just before 10am on Thursday.

Plumes of smoke could be seen from two miles away.

The site is thought to have gas cylinders, according to train operator Greater Anglia.

It has led to severe disruption to trains between Norwich and London, trains travelling north of Ipswich and between Ipswich and Cambridge/Ely.

Greater Anglia said ticket restrictions for Thursday have been lifted and tickets dated for 8 August would be valid the next day.

Smoke from the fire, with the railway on the right of the site. Credit: Greater Anglia

A Greater Anglia spokesperson said: “Customers are currently advised not to travel on the affected routes. Emergency services and Network Rail response teams are on site.

“Customers should check the Greater Anglia website or app for service updates.

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused.”

Fire crews have been battling the fire for hours on Thursday. Credit: Suffolk Fire Service

The nearby Gipping Road and Mason Drive were closed as crews tackled the fire.

People in the area were advised to keep their windows and doors shut.

The fire is thought to have broken out in a metals recycling area, said the fire service, which sent 14 fire engines and 75 firefighters to bring it under control.

Oxygen cutting cylinders at the scene had been safely removed by 4pm, a spokesman added.

Firefighters are expected to be at the scene through the night.

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