A CARAVAN exploded on Canvey after a gas cylinder caught alight.

The fire started at Thorney Bay Caravan Park at about 9pm on Friday.

Firefighters spent 40 minutes dousing the flames but the unoccupied caravan was gutted by the blaze.

The fire is being treated as suspicious and an investigation will be carried out today.

FOR A FULL REPORT SEE MONDAY'S ECHO.