Fire that destroyed house treated as arson

Police said they would remain at the scene of the blaze on Friday

Police believe a fire that destroyed a house in Essex was started deliberately.

Fire crews were called to Fieldhouse Farm in Baker Street, Orsett, shortly after 02:45 BST.

Insp Daniel Selby of Essex Police said no-one was injured in "what can only be described as a substantial fire that destroyed a building".

He asked anyone with information or relevant footage, such as from car dashcams, to get in touch.

"We'll remain here today to gather evidence, but our initial inquiries lead us to believe this was started deliberately and at this stage, we are treating this as arson," he said.

Officers remained on the scene to gather evidence, but said early inquiries suggested it was arson