ARSONISTS are being hunted today after a huge blaze at a block of flats in the region.

ARSONISTS are being hunted today after a huge blaze at a block of flats in the region.

The block of flats in Colchester had to be evacuated at about 5.30am today after twelve vehicles, a garage and a car port went up in flames.

A resident told how he was woken by car alarms and then two explosions as the fire took hold.

No-one was injured in the blaze but around 15 people had to leave their flats after fire broke out in a car port underneath the block.

Three crews from Essex fire service arrived at the scene at Windmill Court on the corner of Mill Road and Turner Road, near to Colchester General Hospital at about 5.30am. The road was closed while they tackled the blaze.

Eye witness Paul Sims who called the fire service said he woke to hear two car alarms going off.

He said: “I thought nothing of it, then there were two loud bangs which now I know to have been explosions.

“I looked out of my window and saw two cars on fire and the garage as well.

“I just feel lucky to have woken up and I am just really glad everyone got out of the building safely.”

Sub officer Kieran Warner from Essex Fire Service said investigations had now begun into the blaze which is being treated as suspected arson and that the fire was out by 6.30am.