Residents of a block of flats had to be evacuated after a fire.
The blaze, which began at about 8.30pm on Saturday in one of the third-floor flats in a block of 13 in Pallister Road, Clacton, is being treated as arson.
They spent two hours at the scene but the fire was contained to the one flat, with the exception of some minor smoke damage.
Police said it was possible the fire had been started following a break-in.
One resident, who did not wish to be named, said all the occupants - including an 84-year-old lady - had to move out on to the street while firefighters tackled the blaze.
"We believe one of the flats was broken into," she said.
Anyone with information about the fire should contact Clacton CID on 01255 221312 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111
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