An unoccupied house has been gutted by fire in a suspected arson attack a week after its sale had been agreed.
Firefighters were called to the house in Albermarle Street, Harwich, shortly before 9pm last night.
Three crews took almost an hour to bring the blaze under control with several firefighters forced to use breathing apparatus.
The owner of the house, David Smith, said it had been up for sale for three years and a sale had been agreed a week ago.
Mr Smith said he had lived at the house with his family before moving to Fronks Road, Dovercourt, and said the house held a lot of happy memories.
Neighbour Diana Rozier became aware of the blaze when smoke came through her living-room window.
Fire brigade and police will be investigating the cause of the blaze today.
Anyone with information should contact Harwich police on 01255 241312 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111
David Smith - had agreed sale
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