A BLAZE which destroyed the front room and kitchen of a home in Jaywick is being treated as arson by investigators.

Firefighters were called to the burning bungalow in Lake Way at 3.40pm yesterday.

It took fire crews from Clacton and Weeley less than 30 minutes to put out the fire.

A brigade spokesman said: "The kitchen and front room were completely destroyed in the fire."

Officers used a thermal imaging camera to check for hot spots and a ventilation fan to clear smoke from the property.

No-one was injured in the incident.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to the fire, which is believed to have been started in the living room.

Det Con Dave Brooks, of Clacton CID, said: "Fortunately there was no-one at home at the time, however the fire caused extensive damage and the property is uninhabitable.

"We are treating this incident as arson and I’m appealing to anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area to get in touch.”

Witnesses or anyone with information should call Det Con Brooks on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.