Man arrested after shed fire spreads to homes

Eight houses in South Woodham Ferrers were affected in the fire

A man has been arrested after a fire spread to eight terraced houses.

Essex Police and the fire service were called to Treebeard Copse in South Woodham Ferrers at 17:15 BST on Wednesday to reports of a shed fire that had spread to neighbouring properties.

Crews from Chelmsford, Wickford, Rayleigh Weir, Basildon, Leigh, Corringham and Hawkwell worked to bring the blaze under control.

Police has confirmed a 34-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and remains in custody.

Officers arrested the man about two hours after the fire started.

The fire is being treated as an isolated incident and investigations are in the early stages.

Essex Fire and Rescue said the fire was under control by 19:40 and firefighters remained at the scene throughout the night to dampen down the area.

South Woodham Ferrers Town Council has set up a rest centre at Champions Manor Hall in Hullbridge Road for anyone who needs support, the fire service said.

Scott Meekings, group manager at the fire service, previously thanked residents in the area for their patience.