VANDALS threw a firework into the doorway of a shop which was selling them.
Firefighters were called to the shop in High Street, Rayleigh, at 4.45pm yesterday.
Assistant Divisional Officer Martin Powell said: "It appears the fire was started deliberately with someone throwing a firework cake into the doorway.
"Fortunately, the owner had the presence of mind to kick it clear, otherwise we may have had a much more serious incident on our hands."
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