An investigation has been launched into a blaze that destroyed thousands of pounds of stock at a town centre shop.
Police believe burglars may have been behind the fire at Mark One ladies fashions in Basildon's town square.
Firefighters from Basildon, Wickford and Corringham arrived at the store just before midnight on Thursday to find the front door smashed open and clothes strewn across the town square.
The sprinkler system had quelled the blaze but crews wearing breathing apparatus and using thermal imaging equipment spent two hours dampening down stock and sifting through the wreckage. Much of it was water and smoke damaged.
One person was detained at the scene shortly after the fire broke out and questioned.
Sgt Darren Lewis of Basildon police said: "When we arrived there was clothing all over the place so it is possible there may have been a burglary. The front door windows had been smashed, so it may have been the fire was started deliberately."
Contact police with information on 01268 532212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111
Cleaning up - firefighters use shop signs to sweep away debris
Picture: NICK ANSELL
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