YOUNGSTERS have been blamed for starting a small fire outside a door to a village hall - while other children were inside. 

The incident happened yesterday afternoon (Sunday, 12 March) at East Tilbury Village Hall where a crew of firefighters from Orsett attended after an alarm was raised. 

The fire was at the rear of the historic building, a former cinema during the Bata era, on Gloucester Avenue. 

A statement from Essex Fire and Rescue said: "The fire was very small and only smouldering when crews arrived and was put out within a few minutes.

"The cause has been recorded as deliberate."

A spokesperson for the hall, where a children's party was being held inside, said: "Three lads set a fire at 4.30pm right next to the two  back doors to the village hall. 

"They stacked up twigs and rubbish then ran when they were seen, crossed opposite the school and disappeared near the new buildings. 

"Two were wearing  black/ dark grey one with hood pulled right up a third boy was very distinctive in a bright fire engine red track suit."