FIRE CREWS were called to Latchingdon this afternoon after a suspected deliberate fire was started in the village.

A call was received at 3.45pm reporting of a fire in The Street, Latchingdon.

Upon arrival firefighters found a small fire in the undergrowth that was soon extinguished. They then reported the matter to the Police as it is believed to have been started deliberately.

A spokesman for Essex County Fire and Rescue said: “We were called at 3.45pm to The Street, Latchingdon. We sent one fire engine from Maldon.

“They said it was a small fire in the undergrowth and they had extinguished it by 4.26pm.

“They also informed the Police because it was believed to be deliberate.”