An electricity substation has been damaged deliberately, causing a power cut.

The fire service received a call about a fire in Balmoral Road, Westcliff, at around 9.45pm on Monday, October 16.

It was later established that the fire was started deliberately.

The fire caused criminal damage to the structure estimated to be worth thousands of pounds and the incident caused a loss of power to residential buildings.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the fire to get in touch.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Pc Craig Burles at Southend police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.