ARSONISTS set fire to a garage while students slept just metres away.

Fire crews were called to the corner on Buckingham Road and Woodrow Way in Colchester.

Some reported hearing explosions as paint and cleaning products crackled and popped and the roof was destroyed.

Mum Sarah Taylor said: “I first woke up to what I thought was fireworks being set off by youngsters in the streets.

“My dog was unsettled so I let him in the garden and noticed the flashing lights.

“It’s scary knowing a garage has been set alight as I also have a garage close by.

“I do know the garage set alight was left opened for the past three to four weeks.

“It looked to belong to someone who must rent properties around the area as I could see large paint pots and a few buckets with cleaning liquids and cloths and equipment.

“I don’t understand why anyone would set fire to it.

“It is so close to houses that have children living in.

“I just can’t see the point of it. What does it gain?”

Firefighters from Colchester were called at 1am yesterday.

A spokesman for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “When crews arrived, they found the garage completely alight.

“Crews managed to extinguish the fire by 1.24am.

“The cause of the fire was recorded as deliberate.”

Students live in the house backing on to the garage.

The firefighters managed to save the home and the fence keeping the flames within the garage.

Talia Burr, 20, said: “I heard nothing and slept through.

“It is a bit worrying someone doing this so close to the house.

“I am grateful it was put out quickly and didn’t spread to the house.”

A spokesman for Colchester Borough Homes said: “We would like to thank the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service for extinguishing the fire that destroyed a rented garage in Buckingham Road, Greenstead.

"We understand the matter has now been reported to the police as arson.

“Representatives from CBH have visited the scene, to check the safety of the building and begin the process of repairs.”