Investigation launched following suspected beach hut arson (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Investigation launched following suspected beach hut arson

5:49pm Monday 22nd October 2012 in News By James Dwan

AN investigation has been launched following a suspected arson attack on “cherished” beach huts Clacton.

Warren Heath, from Tendring Council’s engineering team, was working to install new railings on the promenade below First Avenue when he heard a series of bangs.

He initially thought the bangs were people working on the huts nearby.

But five minutes later he spotted two people coming from the area and within seconds smoke started billowing from the huts.

“I raced over to investigate and they shot off in the opposite direction,” he said.

“I saw the huts on fire and immediately called the fire service.

“The crews were there really quickly and hopefully between us we managed to limit the amount of serious damage.”

One hut was destroyed and two others were severely damaged in the blaze, which started around 11.30am.

Fire crews from Clacton and Weeley were called to the scene and extinguished the fire by 11.50am.

A spokesman for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said a joint police and fire investigation will be carried out to establish the cause of the blaze.