A SEAFRONT promenade ignited into a fireball as stunned seasiders looked on in horror.

Marine Parade, in Dovercourt, became engulfed in flames at about 9.15pm on Monday before crews from the Essex Fire Service rushed to the scene.

In video footage seen by the Gazette, the huge fire can be seen burning through a large section of grassland in front of what used to be the Cliff Hotel.

India Rose, 27, who has lived in Harwich for roughly 25 years, noticed the inferno while driving home and immediately pulled over to call the emergency services.

She said: “I was shocked to see the fire so I stopped and called 999 but they told me they had already been called by other members of the public.

“There was actually another smaller fire about 20 metres further down towards Cliff Park which was starting to build-up – I actually ran over to the let the fire crew know.

“The grass is still really dry, so it could have been embers from a cigarettes but it seems strange there were two alight at once and it was at night time.

“I just feel really sad for the wildlife.”

The Essex Fire Service has been contacted for more information.