BURNING stubble just outside Clacton caused a fire so big it could be seen across Tendring District.

The blaze started around 4pm on Monday and a patch of land 800m squared was affected.

“You could see it for miles. People were ringing me from the other side of Tendring. Hence, so many fire crews were in attendance,” said Little Clacton farmer Matt Swain.

Five crews from Weeley, Clacton, Colchester, Brightlingsea, Wivenhoe and Frinton were called to the field off London Road, Clacton, around 5pm.

They found a fifth of the site adjacent to Cann Hall Estate was 20 per cent ablaze. Using eight hose reel jets, they took an hour to put it out.

The fire brigade said it was uncertain to say whether an accident started the fire or whether it was deliberate.

Mr Swain suspected children may be to blame, saying there are “lots of problems with children down there.”

“That’s usually the case next to the housing estate,” he added.

However, he also reserved praise for the firecrews who prevented much possible damage.

“The owners, McBain and Jarvis, are very thankful to the fire crews. Their swift actions prevented the fire from destroying standing crops or indeed nearby back gardens,” he said.