FIREFIGHTERS rushed to tackle a blaze as it spread quickly through a field in Clacton – thought to be started by young arsonists.

The fire started in a field off Stanley Road just before 10.45am on Monday.

Crews were sent to the scene after nearby residents spotted the flames from their homes.

Tammy Marshall said: “My dog started barking at the end of the garden but I didn't think much of it at first, then I went over to have a look and saw a small fire in the field.

“So I went in to ring 999 and gave them the details, and they informed me a neighbour had phoned moments before and they had a fire engine on the way.

“I went back outside and in that short time the fire had spread very quickly.”

The crews arrived just in time to stop the blaze spreading to nearby properties.

Firefighters used beaters and hoses to extinguish the flames in just under an hour.

The fire is believed to have been started deliberately.

Tammy added: “When the firefighters came they were really quick and kept the fire under control.

“Unfortunately the fire had spread and was making its way into someone's garden, but the firefighters were on the case and they got the fire out quickly.

“They were beating the fire down at first but also kept it under control with the water hoses.

“When I spoke with my neighbour she said that she saw two young boys with their dog start the fire and then run off. It spread really quickly and could have been a lot worse.”