ABOUT £1million damage was caused after a blaze gutted three houses in Pitsea.

Eyewitnesses reported plumes of smoke and flames coming from the properties in Vermont Close, Felmores, Pitsea.

The fire and rescue service has revealed the blaze started by an electrical fault, ruling out an arson attack.

No families were in the three houses, which had first floor and roof areas well alight when firefighters arrived.

Crews used an aerial monitor and jets to tackle the fire.

Assistant divisional officer Martin Powell, the fire investigation officer for the incident remains on site working alongside police scenes of crime officers.

He said: "There must be more than £1m worth of damage here - four houses have been totally destroyed in what appears to have been a crime related incident.

"The fire started in one house and spread to three others - no-one was home at the time, except a few family pets that were rescued by firefighters.

"The home owners returned to find their houses completely destroyed and they are now homeless.

There were no casualties reported.

Police were called to handle traffic and spectators.

Around 60 people gathered at the scene, watching nine fire engines tackle the flames.

Eyewitness Laura Shave, 30, from Great Ranton, said: "I was really shocked.

"I feel so sorry for the families. The flames were really high, about 20 feet in the air.

2At first I thought I hope its not my house."

According to onlookers two dogs were rescued from inside the houses.

One onlooker, Dan Rodgers, 28, from Ray-leigh, was driving past at the time and was one of the first on the scene.

He said: "I was driving up Lanhams and thought there was a bonfire, but as I got closer I saw flames.

"They were small to begin with, but soon they were 20 to 30ft high.You could see all the masonry falling down and then the whole roof of one of the properties gradually caved in. There was thick smoke so I knew it was pretty bad.

"The firefighters had a big job on their hands but they looked like they had it under control."

Another bystander, Laura Shave, 30, of nearby Great Ranton, said: "I was really shocked. I feel so sorry for the families. The flames were really high, about 20ft in the air."

Christine Mathie, 50, also of Great Ranton, described seeing a woman being taken away by firefighters.

"She looked really upset," she added.