A COUNCILLOR has lambasted the arsonists who deliberately started a fire inside Colchester’s former Homebase store.

Firefighters rushed to the derelict retail unit, in St Andrew’s Avenue, at about 5.20pm on Tuesday to tackle the blaze.

On arrival, crews reported half of the building was smoke logged and the fire had broken through the roof.

Four crews from Colchester, Wivenhoe and Brightlingsea spent more than an hour fighting the blaze.

The fire was completely extinguished by 7pm and an investigation into the cause of the incident was carried out.

Following the investigation and Essex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “The cause has been recorded as deliberate.”

The extent of the fire damage remains unknown.

The building, which measures 100 metres by 30 metres, has been vacant since 2018, and it is set to be turned into a Lidl supermarket.

Tim Young, Colchester councillor for the Greenstead ward, said he was shocked to hear the blaze was started deliberately.

“Arson is a terrible crime and I hope the culprits will be caught and brought to justice,” he added.

“The building has been derelict for a couple of years and I am sure the police will be investigating the incident.”

Plans have been approved to turn the building into a Lidl alongside a new Subway and Costa.

Mr Young added: “I hope the fire won’t delay the plans to build the firms at the site.”

“I think the building is set to be demolished to make way for Costa, Lidl and Subway - but it is a great shame there was a fire.”

A date for when the supermarket could open has not yet been announced but it is expected to create 40 jobs.

Once complete, it will be the third Lidl in Colchester.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “We are investigating a fire we’re treating as arson at an address in St Andrews Avenue, Colchester.

We were called at around 5.25pm on Tuesday 16 March.

“Our enquiries are ongoing.”

Fire crews were also called to a fire in the communal area of a flat block in nearby Greenstead Road at 4pm on Tuesday - it was caused accidentally.

Anyone with any information can call Essex Police on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/46319/21 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.