POLICE are investigating a fire which caused extensive damage to an outbuilding and a house in Plumleys, Pitsea, this morning (Saturday. 28 December). 

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene at 7.30am and led on the initial response. Nobody was injured, but following early enquiries police are now treating the incident as suspected arson.

Officers have been conducting door-to-door and CCTV enquiries. 

A statement from Essex Police says: "Our investigation is ongoing, and we are working closely with fire investigators.

"We would ask anyone with information or footage which could assist us to get in touch. Please cite incident 0280 of 28 December.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service which is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. 

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website where you can use our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111."