A MAN has been given a six-year prison sentence for setting fire to a flat in South Ockendon, putting the lives of residents in the block at risk.

It follows an Essex Police investigation that began when Essex Fire and Rescue Service raised their concerns about the cause of a fire at about 2.10pm on 13 November last year.

Scott Rixson, 32, of Cranell Green in South Ockendon, had set alight the flat he was living in before leaving the building shortly after.

Smoke could be seen coming out of the building and emergency services evacuated the block safely.

Scott Rickson.

Rixson was quickly identified as a suspect for the arson and was arrested by officers in Aveley later that evening.

He refused to answer any questions when interviewed and was remanded in custody.

However, at Basildon Crown Court on 23 December 2024 he pleaded guilty to arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered, and at the same court has been sentenced to six years in prison. 

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PC Lisa Arnold, the officer in this case, said: "Rixson's actions could not have been more reckless.

"The fire was lit in a dense and busy residential cul-de-sac in the middle of the day – it is only thanks to the quick actions of the emergency services that no one was harmed that day."