A Lowestoft tool company has been gutted by a fire and explosions in the early hours of this morning.

The blaze was reported in Pinbush Road on the South Lowestoft Industrial Estate building at about 3.20am.

About 30 firefighters were called out to tackle the fire, which started in the rear of the building which the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said was called Tool Base.

Firefighters could not enter the building, which is 10m by 12m, in size as there were propane gas cylinders and aerosols inside which exploded.

The blaze was put out at 7.15am.

Four fire engines and a command support vehicle from Lowestoft and Beccles attended the blaze.

Because the fire reached the roof a hydraulic ladder was called in from Great Yarmouth fire station.

Gas and electricity supplies were also cut off to the building to help the firefighters.

Relief crews from Beccles and Wrentham took over after the fire was out.

Paul Field Lowestoft fire station manager said the fire was not classified as major incident.

Mr Field said it was not clear what caused the fire and investigators would be examining the building for clues.