An arson investigation was under way today after a fire attack on a bungalow.

Firebugs entered the garden of the house in Kents View Court, Western Esplanade, Canvey, and set light to a pile of rubbish.

Within minutes, the blaze had spread to part of the bungalow, the shed, a fence and had damaged a nearby car.

The emergency services were called at around 5.30pm on Sunday and a Canvey fire crew was on the scene in minutes.

Red watch sub-officer Richard Norris said: "If there was any delay in us getting there, this fire could have been a lot worse - another minute or two it could have spread to the roof."

Anyone with information about the blaze should call police on 01268 511212.

Published Tuesday, June 17, 2003

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