A fire which engulfed three vehicles and a surrounding car port in a Colchester estate is being treated as arson.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said it received more than 25 calls to the blaze in Appleton Mews late on Sunday evening.

On arrival, firefighters reported that three cars were completely alight, along with a surrounding car port. The cause of the fire has been recorded as deliberate.

Three engines, one from Wivenhoe and two from Colchester, were sent to tackle the fire shortly after 10.30pm.

A spokesman for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “Crews were called to reports of a car port on fire.

“On arrival firefighters reported that three cars were completely alight, along with a surrounding car port.

“Because of the amount of smoke being produced our Control Officers received around 25 calls to report the incident.

“Crews worked hard to bring the fire under control and completely extinguished it by 11.40pm.

“The cause of the fire has been recorded as deliberate.”

Essex Police confirmed they are treating the incident as arson.

A spokesman said: “We are investigating following an arson in Appleton Mews, Colchester, late last night.

“We were called shortly after 11pm on Sunday, October 18 to reports that several cars had been set alight in the car park.

“No one was injured and our enquiries are ongoing.”

Anyone with information is asked to submit a report through the police website. The crime reference number to quote is 42/169906/20.

Alternatively, if you have information but wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.