Arson suspect bailed as families left homeless

Several homes were destroyed in the suspected arson attack in Beach Way, Jaywick

A 47-year-old man has been released on bail after a suspected arson attack.

Up to 10 properties were affected by a fire in Jaywick, near Clacton in Essex, on Thursday.

Two families have been moved into temporary accommodation after their homes were destroyed, independent councillor Bradley Thompson said.

Mr Thompson, who represents the village on Tendring District Council, told the BBC the affected families were "quite upbeat considering what's going on".

Bradley Thompson arrived at the scene within two minutes of being told about the fire

Mr Thompson arrived at the scene within two minutes of being told about the fire.

He described the heat as "unbearable".

"At one point you could not see your hand in front of your face," he said.

According to Mr Thompson, two adults and five children were in one of the houses at the time of the incident.

He added: "Obviously, you can't replace the memories, the possessions and things like that they will have lost and it is absolutely terrible for them."

'Nothing left'

Aaron Taylor ran to the scene after noticing smoke filling the sky while he was drinking a coffee outside his nearby tanning salon.

He and a group of passers-by smashed windows to help rescue people and pets, including seven dogs, during what he described as an "inferno".

"I took a lot of smoke in my lungs and I've got stitches in my hand where I broke into one of the properties to get some people out," the 32-year-old said.

Mr Taylor has started fundraising to support the families who lost their homes.

Aaron Taylor started fundraising for the families affected by the fire

"The work's not over yet," he said. "The damage is done but these are still children and families who have literally lost everything. There is nothing left."

Kind-hearted residents have already visited Mr Taylor's shop, Sun Spa 11, to donate items such as pet food, clothes and toys.

Danell Dreelan, 38, stopped her car to help after noticing the flames while driving home from a shop.

"Everybody just rallied in," she said.

"They're not your friends, they're your family here in Jaywick, and it's people that always come together."

Police arrested the suspect, who is from Jaywick, on Thursday on suspicion of arson after the fire on Beach Way.

He was released on bail on Friday until October, Essex Police said.