An investigation is to be held after a fire at an Essex boatyard early this morning damaged four vessels.

Essex County Fire and Rescue (ECFRS) received reports that a 10ft yacht was alight in the West Mersea boatyard at around 3.50am.

Crews from Colchester and Werst Mersea attended the blaze and had it under control by 5.20am.

Three other boats suffered heat damage.

“The cause of the fire is unknown. ECFRS and the police will carry out an investigation,” said a fire service spokesman.