Four cars and a house were set alight by arsonists along the same road in Chelmsford.

Police and fire crews were called to Ravensbourne Drive, Chelmsford, near to Beeches Road, just after 1am today after residents saw the cars on fire.

Two fire engines from Chelmsford were called to the scene.

A nearby resident, who did not want to be named, said: "There was quite a lot of damage caused to the cars.

"The flames from one of the cars set alight the porch to one nearby house," she added.

A Chelmsford police spokesman said: "We found evidence the fire was started deliberately and we would urge people to come forward."

Anyone with information on the attack should contact Chelmsford police on 01245 491212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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