Police investigating the arson attack on a Basildon community centre are not ruling out the possibility it was targeted because it is the home of an Islamic group.

The fire at the Langdon Hills community centre, in High Road, Laindon - also known as the Triangle - destroyed the building's roof on Sunday, and left dozens of small community groups homeless.

Detectives have begun what Essex Police called "a thorough investigation" into the arson.

One person has been arrested in connection with the incident, but police sources say a large number of suspects will be questioned over the next few days.

In response to suggestions the arson was directly linked to the Islamic group which uses the building for prayers in lieu of a mosque, a spokesman for the force said: "We are aware there may be heightened tensions following recent national events.

"However, there is no feedback from local communities to indicate any increased tension and there has been no significant increase in recorded hate crime."

A Basildon Council spokesman said it could not comment on the investigation, but said the council was "dismayed" at centre's destruction.

The spokesman added: "The centre was leased to the Basildon Islamic Centre and was used extensively by a large number of other groups.

"The council is actively working with all these groups to find suitable alternative temporary accommodation."

Council leader Malcolm Buckley said: "I was saddened to hear of this disastrous blaze and can only be grateful no one was injured.

"We will do everything possible to support those community groups affected by this fire".