An investigation is underway into how an historic tree in Mistley caught fire, after firefighters believed it was started deliberately.
Two Essex County Fire and Rescue crews from Manningtree were called to the Old Knobbley tree – an ancient oak believed to be the oldest in England having stood for 800 years – near the Gamekeeper’s Pond in Mistley shortly after 8am on Saturday.
A spokesman from the fire service said that the two crews from Manningtree were able to put out the flames in around 30 minutes.
She added: “It was recorded as deliberate.”
Essex Police have been contacted, with an investigation underway as to how the fire started.
A spokesman from the force urged anyone with information or who witnessed what happened to contact them on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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