A home was damaged by an arson fire after an accelerate used to start the fire.

A woman was woken by a smoke alarm at about 3.20am today at the home in Arisdale Avenue, South Ockendon.

The front door of the home was alight.

No one was harmed and the fire was quickly extinguished.

Police believe an accelerant was used to start the fire and are treating this as deliberate fire.

This accelerant was found nearby and officers believe they are linked.

Essex Police is carrying out CCTV and house to house enquires at the scene.

Officers are appealing for anyone who saw any suspicious behaviour or has dash cam footage to get in contact with Grays CID quoting incident 125 of 14/12.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.