A CAR was deliberately set alight beneath a block of flats, leaving residents shivering in the cold as firefighters tackled the flames.
The fire was discovered beneath Penny Steps, in Hawtree Close, Southend, shortly before 8.55pm tonight, Thursday.
The vehicle, a Land Rover Discovery, was destroyed by flames, which took firefighters wearing breathing apparatus 20 minutes to bring under control.
Although an official evacuation was not necessary, most residents of the flats left their homes during the incident, which is being treated as suspicious by the fire service and police.
No-one was injured, and an investigation into the blaze is ongoing.
WERE YOU THERE? IF YOU SAW THE FIRE CONTACT THE ECHO NEWSROOM ON 01702 321159 OR POST YOUR COMMENTS BELOW.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel