A MAN has been caught on CCTV appearing to set fire to a box near a children's play area before fleeing the scene.

The bizarre incident happened off Alan Road, in Witham, just before 11pm on Sunday night.

Video footage shows flames suddenly appear from behind a van, before a man emerges and runs round to the driver's side.

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He can be seen clambering inside before driving the van away from the scene...

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...leaving the box burning just metres from nearby homes.

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On Monday morning the charred remains of the box could be seen on the grass not far from the children's play area.

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Essex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service both said no incident had been reported.