SHOCKING CCTV footage shows the moment a “deliberate” fire destroyed property outside a home in Burnham-on-Crouch.

Residents of Blackwater Close were left in shock when a mobility scooter was set alight in the early hours of the morning.

The blaze also damaged other property belonging to the same homeowner.

In the footage, which was recorded by a neighbour’s CCTV cameras, someone can be seen walking in the area.

Later, an explosion can be seen in the corner of the screen as the fire starts to take hold.

As well as the mobility scooter, a car was also destroyed while fencing and a second car were damaged in the January 20 blaze.

The homeowners initially believed the fire was caused by the mobility scooter’s batteries.

But an Essex Fire and Rescue Service investigation found the cause to be arson.

They said: “Firefighters were called to Blackwater Close, Burnham-on-Crouch, at 6.08am on Saturday, January 20. 

"On arrival, crews confirmed that it was a fire involving a mobility scooter and one vehicle, which was spreading to a nearby vehicle and some fencing.

"Firefighters wore breathing apparatus and used hose reel jets to extinguish the fire by 7.16am."

Essex Police said they were also investigating the incident.

A spokesman said: "We are investigating a fire that occurred in Blackwater Close, Burnham, between 6.05am and 7am on Saturday, January 20, in which property including two cars and a mobility scooter sustained damage.

"We are treating this as arson and criminal damage and our enquiries continue.

"If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us."