Investigations are under way following a fire at a derelict building on a former factory site.

Firefighters spent more than three hours tackling the blaze in an empty single storey building at a waterfront site that has been vacant for almost 13 years.

Eastern Daily Press: The aftermath of the fire at the former factory site on Waveney Drive in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesThe aftermath of the fire at the former factory site on Waveney Drive in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The 40m by 40m derelict building forms part of the former Jeld Wen joinery factory on Waveney Drive in Lowestoft.

Eastern Daily Press: The entrance to the former factory site on Waveney Drive in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesThe entrance to the former factory site on Waveney Drive in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Police and six fire crews were called to the former timber factory site - which was shut in June 2010 - at 8.30pm on Tuesday, April 25.

Smoke was seen billowing across the night sky, with people asked to keep their windows and doors closed and to avoid the area, as firefighters tackled the blaze.

Eastern Daily Press: Smoke was seen billowing in the sky after the fire at the former factory site on Waveney Drive in Lowestoft. Picture: Alison HarveySmoke was seen billowing in the sky after the fire at the former factory site on Waveney Drive in Lowestoft. Picture: Alison Harvey

A Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said that crews from Lowestoft South, North Lowestoft, Wrentham and Southwold - along with two crews and the area ladder platform from Great Yarmouth - responded, with the blaze under control by 11.42pm, after "good progress at tackling the blaze" had been made.

Crews remained at the scene until the early hours of Wednesday morning, to keep "a watching brief."

The brigade spokesman added: "There were no reported casualties."

An "inspection" of the charred building, complete with smashed windows, is due to take place on Wednesday "to determine the cause of the fire", as police said they "continue to work with Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service to establish the cause."

Eastern Daily Press: The aftermath of the fire at the former factory site on Waveney Drive in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesThe aftermath of the fire at the former factory site on Waveney Drive in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The 36-acre redundant industrial site, which is in private ownership, was once home to Boulton and Paul - who opened its joinery factory and timber yard in 1962.

After the American-owned timber company Jeld Wen took over the joinery factory in 1999, it closed in June 2010 with the loss of more than 190 jobs.

Eastern Daily Press: The entrance to the former factory site on Waveney Drive in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesThe entrance to the former factory site on Waveney Drive in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

It has been vacant since then - despite forming part of an area around Lake Lothing earmarked for a major transformation.

Witnesses or anybody with any information should contact Lowestoft Police on 101 quoting CAD reference 380 of April 25.