The managing director of the spa hit by a huge fire outside Ipswich has praised the efforts of crews in tackling the blaze.

A huge fire broke out in the swimming pool section of Riverhills Spa in Bramford at about 12.20am on Friday.

Dave Courteen, the managing director of Mosaic Group, which runs Riverhills, said that the club was closed and no one was inside when the fire started. 

He added that the CCTV inside the building should "shed some light" on what happened in the incident.

Ipswich Star: Fire at Riverhills last night, Suffolk Fire and Rescue ServiceFire at Riverhills last night, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (Image: Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service)

Mr Courteen said: "We are absolutely devastated by what has happened, and we are thankful that nobody was hurt.  

"The fire started in the downstairs studio with the pool hall, so that part of the building has taken most of the damage. Fortunately, the rest of the building seems to be okay. 

"We are extremely grateful for the work of Suffolk fire service and the other emergency teams that responded to the incident.

"Their efforts have protected a significant proportion of the building."

Ipswich Star: Suffolk Fire and Rescue crew at Riverhills, Suffolk Fire and Rescue ServiceSuffolk Fire and Rescue crew at Riverhills, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (Image: Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service)

At the moment, there are no telephone lines or internet at the site, but the staff will get in touch with customers as soon as they can and inform them of the next steps.

Mr Courteen added: "Our membership has been the highest it has been for some time, especially since Covid.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our staff, who, even in these upsetting circumstances, are pulling together to support each other and support our dedicated members, in what will be a challenging few days. 

"But if we can bounce back from Covid, we can bounce back from this." 

Ipswich Star: Riverhills building this morning, NewsquestRiverhills building this morning, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Courteen said that it is too early to evaluate the losses as the spa staff cannot fully access the building yet. 

The club will remain closed while investigations take place and no timescale has been provided for when it will reopen.

Ipswich Star: Dave Courteen of Mosaic GroupDave Courteen of Mosaic Group (Image: Mosaic Group)

Two fire crews were seen still at the facility at about 9am on Friday conducting safety checks.