A house has been set on fire after a liquid was poured through a letterbox and ignited.

At around 12.30am on Wednesday, August 30, a fire was discovered inside a property in Outing Close, Southend.

Police have only just released the information to the media.

It is believed to have been started deliberately by a fluid being poured through the letter box and ignited.

The fire was extinguished by the occupant, with the help of a neighbour.

Thankfully, nobody was injured.

A 44-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident, and has been released on police bail until September 23.

Pc Kerry Auger is leading the investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact her via 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.