An investigation has been launched after a huge blaze destroyed a range of farm buildings.

Arsonists are thought to be behind the fire which swept through barns at Springfield Hall in Chelmsford.

Worried neighbours flooded Essex Fire and County Rescue Service's headquarters with calls after they spotted the flames at 5pm on Thursday. Two crews from Chelmsford rushed to the scene in Petersfield Link.

Eighty per cent of the 990 sq metre site was alight and extra crews were called in from Great Baddow and Ingatestone.

Firefighters had to set up a complex water relay from a river a quarter of a mile away to provide the water to tackle the flames, and they were forced to wear breathing apparatus because of the dense smoke.

Sub-officer Roy Carter said: "When we arrived the fire had already taken hold and we knew we would need a great deal of water.

"There was no hydrant nearby and the nearest water supply was the river."

Water was pumped from the river through lengths of hose and three fire appliances to take it to the scene of the blaze.

"It was set up really quickly," said Mr Carter. "It was done so well that it allowed us to save part of the barn."

The blaze was so serious that rescue pumps were called from Witham and Colchester stations, with the support pump coming from Brentwood.

The worst of the fire was out after an hour and a half, but crews stayed at the scene throughout the night, damping it down.

The outbuildings were mainly empty, but the farmer - who is on holiday abroad - has still lost thousands of pounds worth of property in the fire. Fortunately the blaze did not reach the nearby farmhouse where he and his family live.

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