A man has been arrested after police launched an investigation into a fire. 

Officers were called to an address in South Avenue yesterday (Thursday, February 3) evening around 8.40pm amid reports of a blaze. 

They had been called by firefighters tackling the incident amid suspicions the fire had been started deliberately. 

Police said no injuries were reported but a 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson endangering life.

He remains in custody for questioning.

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A force spokesman added: "We need anyone who saw anything or has any CCTV, dash cam, or doorbell footage to contact us."

If you have any information you can submit a report online at https://www.essex.police.uk or use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.

Quote incident 1173 of February 3.

You can also call police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Essex Fire Service has been contacted for comment.