Arsonists torched two acres of woodland and undergrowth.

On-call firefighters from Maldon, Tiptree and Witham were called to Heybridge at 4.45pm today (July 14). 

Upon arrival they found a large woodland area had become engulfed in flames.

The quick-thinking crews used hose reel jets and beaters to put the fire out, extinguishing the blaze by 6.05pm.

After containing and putting out the inferno, firefighters remained at the scene to make sure it did nnt reignite.

Station manager Nick Singleton said: “The crews did a really good job to stop this fire from spreading further.”

The cause of the fire has been recorded as deliberate.