A police investigation has been launched following a 'deliberate' blaze in Loughton.

Four fire engines and Essex Police attended the scene in Woodland Grove off of Rectory Lane, Loughton at around 5.45pm yesterday (July 8) following reports of a derelict building on fire.

The building, which measured 10 metres by 7 metres, was destroyed by the blaze.

Crews from Loughton, Woodford and Harlow used one hose reel jet to extinguish the fire along with an aerial ladder platform which was deployed from Harlow.

The blaze, which was extinguished by 7.20pm, was found to have been started deliberately following an investigation by Essex Fire Service.

The investigation has now been passed on to Essex Police.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Police have been notified by Essex Fire Service about a fire at a derelict building in Rectory Lane, Loughton.

"The fire is believed to have been started deliberately.

"Police are liasing with fire fighters over the possible cause."

Anyone who witnessed any suspicious behaviour in the area around the time of the fire is asked to call police on 101.