A JOINT police and fire investigation has been launched into a suspected arson attack at a Colchester flat.

A JOINT police and fire investigation has been launched into a suspected arson attack at a Colchester flat.

A fire crew from Nayland in Suffolk and another from Colchester were called to Flemish Court at around 9.45pm yesterday to find the first-floor flat well alight.

Firefighters used breathing apparatus while they battled the flames amid thick smoke.

Police believe the fire, which was put out at around 10pm, had been started deliberately.

It is not known at this stage if anyone was caught up in the fire.