A young girl was lucky to escape after the caravan she was sleeping in burst into flames in what police believe to be an arson attack in Jaywick.

East Anglian Daily Times: A teenager has been arrested and released on bail following the incident. Picture: CONTRIBUTEDA teenager has been arrested and released on bail following the incident. Picture: CONTRIBUTED (Image: Archant)

The 12-year-old is currently being treated for serious burns following the fire, which happened at around 2am on Thursday, September 20.

Police, firefighters and paramedics arrived to find the caravan, Humber Avenue, Jaywick, alight.

Detective Sergeant Dan Jeffries said: “This was a callous act where a young girl was seriously injured and narrowly escaped with her life.

“We ask that witnesses or anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area around the time of the incident, contacts us, so that we can bring the person responsible for this crime, to justice.”

A 15-year-old boy from Clacton was arrested on suspicion of arson and has been released on bail until October 18.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Clacton CID on 101, quoting reference 42/136596/18.

Information can also be given completely anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online