FIREFIGHTERS were called to a suspected arson attack at a derelict cafe in Jaywick.

Crews were called to a blaze at the former cafe, next to the Dolphin Cafe, in Brooklands Gardens.

Two fire engines from Clacton fire station were called to the incident.

A spokesman for the station said: “The cafe has been completely gutted by the fire and we are treating the incident as suspicious.

“An investigation is now being carried out into the incident.”

Nearby residents are calling on the police to take action following a series of incidents, including windows being broken in the road.

“There are CCTV cameras up by the Brooklands Resource Centre, but every time an incident like this happens it appears that the CCTV is not looking in the right direction,” said one resident, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said so far this year crews have been called to 40 incidents in Jaywick, including five house fires and 16 other smaller fires.

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