THE cause of the fire at East Bay Mill, off East Street, Colchester, has been officially classed as undetermined.

Crews were called yesterday at 5.15pm and spent 45 minutes battling the fire.

The timber-framed mill has been derelict for years and was not secure, attracting vandals.

Fire investigators confirmed they could not be sure whether it was started deliberately.

Several planning applications had been submitted, during the past 13 years, to build retirement flats on the site while maintaining some of the grade II listed features.

A spokesman for Colchester Council said: "This is obviously a concern to us because the building is grade II listed and is also situated in the conservation area.”

Videos and pictures  of the fire and subsequent damage are included on this page.

Today's Gazette includes details of the work to combat the fire.

Wednesday's Gazette includes details about the subsequent investigation and recent history of the site.