An investigation is underway into the cause of a fire which damaged three flats on a new estate.
The blaze began yesterday evening in the kitchen of a first-floor flat in Robin Crescent on the Lakelands estate in Stanway.
Fire crews were called after a passer-by spotted smoke coming out of the windows.
The fire caused smoke damage throughout the middle flat and led to damage to two other flats - one below and one above it.
None of the properties were occupied at the time but the owners have been contacted.
Fire crews are still investigating the cause of the blaze but believe it started accidentally.
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