POLICE have issued a plea for witnesses and information after it was disclosed that a fire that made a Tilbury home uninhabitable was caused by arson.

Yesterday (Tuesday, 20 May) Thurrock Nub News reported on Monday's blaze at a house on Raphael Avenue which began just after 3.30pm.

Today Essex Police have made an appeal, saying: "We are appealing for information following a fire in Tilbury that we're treating as arson.

"It was reported a fire was started at an address in Raphael Avenue between 3pm and 4pm on Monday, 19 May in an alleyway between two houses.

"Significant damage has been caused to one of the addresses and the alley was closed to the public.

"We need anyone who saw what happened or saw someone acting suspiciously in that area at that time to come forward. Please quote the crime reference number 42/68555/25.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website where you can use our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111."