AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after three beach huts were damaged by a suspicious fire at Walton-on-the-Naze.

AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after three beach huts were damaged by a suspicious fire at Walton-on-the-Naze.

Fire crews were called to Hipkin's Beach at about 10.45pm on Tuesday and crews used breathing apparatus as they tackled the flames.

The two crews from Frinton put the fires out by about 12.30am but one hut was destroyed and two were damaged.

Essex Police were contacted and officers carried out door-to-door enquiries but nobody witnessed any suspicious activity.

Betty Holloway, of the Tendring Forum which represents the interests of beach hut owners across north Essex, questioned the mentality of those responsible.

She said: “I just don't know what they get from doing it - this could be really upsetting for the people who own them, and just before Christmas as well.

“Some of the huts are so nice inside, you get ones that have a kitchen which is nicer than my one at home.

“There is just no reason for it and the worry is that when one or two go up, you could end up with a whole row on fire as they are so close together.”

An Essex County Fire and Rescue Service spokesman confirmed a full investigation had been launched.