AN investigation has been launched to establish the cause of a fire that damaged seven beach huts in an Essex seaside town in the early hours of this morning.

AN investigation has been launched to establish the cause of a fire that damaged seven beach huts in an Essex seaside town in the early hours of this morning.

Firefighters were alerted to the blaze affecting the beach huts on The Esplanade in Frinton at about 1.20am.

Two fire crews from Frinton were sent to the scene and an extra unit from Clacton was called in to assist.

A fire service spokesman said: “Initially two appliances were sent to tackle the incident but, on arrival, the officer in charge requested the attendance of an additional crew to assist in a fire involving seven beach huts.”

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used two jets and two hose reels as well as a light portable pump to tackle the blaze, which was out by 2.15am.

He said a joint police and fire investigation was being carried out to establish the cause of the blaze.