Officers have arrested a man after being called to reports of a fire in South Woodham Ferrers yesterday afternoon (August 7).

Eight fire crews from Chelmsford, Wickford, Rayleigh Weir, Basildon, Leigh, Corringham and Hawkwell attended the scene in Treebeard Copse at 5.15pm on Wednesday.

The fire began in a shed and spread to eight terraced houses, with three fire crews remaining at the scene into the evening to dampen down.

Only 2 hours after police attended the incident at 5.30pm, a 34-year-old man was arrested.

The man was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, and remains in custody.

South Woodham Ferrers Town Council has set up a rest centre in Champions Manor Hall in Hullbridge Road offering support for residents and families affected.

This is being treated as an isolated incident.

The investigation remains in the early stages, and police are urging anyone who has any information or footage to contact them.

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