A coastal town is living in fear of fire-starters after a wave of arson attacks.

There have been six incidents in two weeks including an attack at a flat above Bakers Oven in Station Road, Clacton, while a family of seven were asleep.

Four beach huts in Holland-on-Sea were destroyed in another deliberate blaze.

Houses in Hayes Road and Marlborough Close, Clacton, were also targeted and Thorpe Road, Great Clacton, was plagued by a series of grass fires.

Insp Paul Butcher, of Clacton police, said: "Arson is a rare crime but we have had a recent upsurge.

"We have had lots of incidents dotted around the town but there is no apparent link.

"People might think they are just having fun but the consequences could be very serious - they are risking lives.

"It only takes a short time to start a fire and leave the area so we are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

"We have 15 police community support officers as opposed to five last year and they help to be our eyes and ears."

Police praised the prompt action of a baker for raising the alarm after a housebound man, his wife and five children were nearly killed while they slept after an arsonist set fire to rubbish below their Clacton flat.

A spokesman for Clacton police said the family could have been trapped if the fire had gained a firmer hold.

The baker, who was working at Bakers Oven, raised the alarm after rubbish at the foot of stairs leading up to the family's flat was set alight at about 4.30am on Sunday.

Anyone with information about any of the attacks should call Clacton police on 01255 221312.