Essex Fire and Rescue Service has said the fire which ripped through Maldon's Chelmer Blackwater Nature Reserve may have been intentional.

The reserve, which sits adjacent to Tesco Extra Maldon and the A414 Bypass, was ravaged by the blaze on Monday afternoon (July 14). 

Crews from Maldon, Witham, West Mersea, Billericay, Corringham and Chelmsford attended the incident, which was the third call to the site within a week. 

The reserve sustained significant damage to wildlife habitats, with community infrastructure including walkways, bridges and boardwalks destroyed.

Chelmer Blackwater Nature Reserve is now appealing for community support in rebuilding the reserve walkways, calling the fire a "devastating act of vandalism."

A spokesperson added: "These structures were built thanks to grants, donations, and the incredible support of our shareholders and the public. 

"To see that effort literally go up in flames is heart-breaking—but we will not be defeated."

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has said investigations are ongoing about the origins of the fire, but says crews believe it was started deliberately.

It has called on anybody with information to contact Firestoppers. 

You can donate to the reserve via the GoFundMe here.