RESIDENTS have expressed anger after footage emerged of a fire on a park bench which was a few paces away from a children’s play area.

The video, which was shown on a community Facebook group showed a small foot-long fire on a park bench in Oak Tree Meadow in Heybridge.

A resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, saw the fire in the afternoon as she was walking her dogs behind the trees near the play area.

She said: “I was walking my doggies and was just taking pictures of them - I love taking pictures of my little girlies.

“I smelled burning and as I walked around the trees, I saw a little bit of smoke.

“I then switched my phone to video mode as I approached.

“I did try to put it out with my shoe but couldn't as my dogs where pulling me as well.

“I ran to the kids park behind the trees and shouted if anyone have any water.

“A lady kindly supplied a bottle and we put the fire out.

While no emergency services were called, the passers-by made sure the fire was all put out.

She added: “I've not lived here that long and I haven’t heard of any fire like this before.

“It seemed deliberately started to me. I think it would have been a different story if I hadn't seen it when I did.”