A WOMAN has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after a fire destroyed a home in Rayleigh.

Fire crews rushed to Barrymore Walk, Rayleigh after a neighbour noticed smoke before flames knocked out the windows shortly after 9pm last night.

Braintree and Witham Times:

Ablaze - fire crews rushed to Barrymore Walk, Rayleigh after a neighbour noticed smoke before flames knocked out the windows shortly after 9pm last night

Braintree and Witham Times:

Scene - an investigation was opened into the fire

Braintree and Witham Times:

Probe - police have arrested one woman on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life

Eye witness Jai Moloney, 20 said: “It was a pretty fierce fire - very intense.

“The fire brigade were there and were pouring water in through the window but you could still see the flames glowing.

“There were lots of people around watching and many who seemed concerned and in distress.

“There was on man who looked quite upset and he was talking to the police. I think he lived in the house next door.

“There was an ambulance there and three police cars.”

Another neighbour added: “A woman came running out of the house and she looked like she was all over the place.

Speaking after the fire was put out a neighbour said: “I heard the neighbours two doors down screaming - a lady saying ‘don’t you dare go in there’.

“The flames were huge coming out of the bedroom window.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We were called at around 9.15pm.

“We attended the scene to find that the occupants had already left the property.

“A woman was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and has been taken to hospital for burn injuries, which are not believed to be life-threatening.”

A spokesman for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Crews were called to a mid-terrace house after a neighbour noticed smoke and called 999.

“On arrival firefighters reported that the house was 50 per cent alight and completely filled with smoke. Firefighters worked quickly to stop the spread of fire to the neighbouring properties and extinguished the fire by 10.10pm.

“The house has suffered both fire and smoke damage and is no longer habitable.”

A spokesman for the ambulance service, said: “We sent an ambulance officer and one ambulance. A woman was taken to Southend University Hospital for further treatment.”

Anyone with information is asked to call quoting crime reference 42/88462/19.

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