RESIDENTS were shocked to see a raging fire near parish council offices in the night.

A fire crew from Maldon was called to Plantation Hall in Colchester Road, Heybridge at 10.55pm on Thursday (August 1).

They confirmed that fencing was alight and set about tackling the fire.

A nearby resident, took a video of the blaze which started climbing up a tree next to the fencing.

Shane Hedgecock, of Hilary Close, said: “I didn't really see much but me and my dad heard the crackling from our garden.

“We ran around to see the tree alight and the neighbours were using their hoses to try and put it out.”

The fire was extinguished by 11.35pm and the fire service said both accidental and deliberate causes are possibilities.