An arson investigation has been launched after a fire destroyed a flat today.
Aftermath - a fire engine at the flat in Butt Road, Colchester, today. Picture: STEVE ARGENT
The blaze started on bedding in the front bedroom of the first floor home in Butt Road, Colchester, just before 9am.
Firefighters from Colchester and Wivenhoe were called out, and at first there were fears someone was trapped inside.
Sub-officer Brian Harper, of Colchester fire station, said: "When we arrived it was well alight.
"We used two hosereels and breathing apparatus crews forced their way upstairs where there was a lot of heat."
Firefighters also searched the downstairs flat because the couple who live there, who got out safely, were worried about their cat.
No-one was injured, but the blaze left severe fire damage to the upstairs flat and the one below suffered water damage.
Published Friday August 6, 2004
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