A TERRIFIED young mum has gone into hiding after her flat was torched.

Tanya Gordon, 20, who has a seven-month-old baby Lily-Jane, says she will never return to her ninth-floor flat in the notorious Royal Court tower blocks, off King Edward Road, Laindon.

Police believe flammable liquid was poured through her letterbox and set alight at around 7.15pm on Friday. It was the latest in a series of frightening incidents since Tanya moved in.

The flat was devastated by fire and Lily-Jane's Christmas presents went up in flames.

Tanya and her baby were at her mum's house when the fire started. Tanya said: "It has been a nightmare, ever since the council forced me to move into that horrible place.

"People keep writing things like whorehouse' on my door and they've threatened to kill me and my baby.

"I'm frightened if I go back they'll finish the job, so I'll have to go into hiding.

"We've lost pretty much everything in the fire, but at least we're alive.

"I begged the council to move me, but was basically told the only way I'd get out was if the flat burnt down. It looks like they've got their wish."

A 19-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and released on police bail.

The Echo reported in June that Tanya had begged Basildon Council to move her, after three youths kicked open her front door, asked if she "wanted a good time", and warned they would return.

Tony Ball, Basildon Council portfolio holder for community safety, said: "This is a very, very sad case and my heart goes out to this young woman.

"I will investigate her case as a matter of priority."

Police urged anyone with information about the arson attempt, to call Basildon CID on 01268 532212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.