Police are appealing for a man who chased a suspected arsonist to come forward.
Officers on Canvey are investigating the blaze, which they believe involved a youth pouring a bottle of petrol over a fence in Leigh Beck Road at about 9.15pm on Monday.
It is believed the youth ran from the scene after starting the fire and that he was chased by a mystery man, whom police are now trying to trace.
Police also want to talk to anyone else who may have witnessed the suspected arson attack.
PC Ricky Drake said: "We would really like to talk to the man who chased the arsonist from the scene.
"We also want to appeal to anyone else who was in the area at the time who may have seen anything suspicious to come forward."
Firefighters were called to the scene but the home owner had managed to extinguish most of the flames by the time they arrived.
Anyone with information is asked to call investigating officer PC Matthew Adamson, of Canvey Police, on 01268 775533.
Published Thursday August 19, 2004
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