TENANTS could be evicted from their homes for dumping rubbish, aerosols and paint cans in a Southend tower block which were then set alight.

South Essex Homes, which manages Longbow flats, in Sherwood Way, Southend, appealed for help, after a pile of rubbish was deliberately set alight in the third floor communal area outside the stairwell, on Monday afternoon.

The items of rubbish had been dumped by one of the tenants and included aerosols and paint cans.

Bosses said they would take action against tenants who left the rubbish and individuals who set light to it, putting hundreds of residents in danger.

A spokesman said: “Someone must know the people who were responsible for dumping these highly flammable objects and who later set them alight.

“We would urge them to pass the names of those people on to police, or South Essex Homes’ staff.

“The fire fortunately did not lead to anyone being injured.

“But the potential was there for lives to be put at risk, so it is important that the suspects are identified and dealt with appropriately.

“We will have no hesitation in considering taking legal action against their tenancy. This could result in them losing their home and becoming homeless.”

He added the organisation’s caretaking staff work extremely hard to keep its tower blocks clean and tidy, but they cannot be expected to be everywhere at once.

He said: “This incident highlights the need for tenants to respect the safety of their fellow residents, by ensuring communal areas are kept free of rubbish at all times.”

Anyone with information can contact Essex Police on 101, or South Essex Homes’ Smaart team on 01702 423504.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111.