Residents help man as flames engulf his home in The Commons

The fire started in The Commons in Prettygate, Colchester, and neighbours said the house was taken over by the flames.

Firefighters said the fire was in a ground floor room and following an investigation, it is believed to have been started deliberately.

The house is now uninhabitable.

Emergency services were called to the blaze at 4pm on Thursday and firefighters did not leave the scene until about 9pm.

A group of four neighbours joined together to move the homeowner’s car from his drive so the emergency services could get inside.

One neighbour said: “The man was sitting outside and he had a group around him.

“He had singed his hair and his face was black from smoke.”

Colin Perkins, who lives opposite, said residents were rallying together to bring tea and coffee for the firefighters.

Two fire engines from Colchester and one from Wivenhoe attended.

Mr Perkins said: “The emergency services cordoned off the area, it was obviously quite serious as it destroyed most of the inside.

“There was a lot of smoke coming out the back, at first I thought it was a bonfire but then it was obvious it was something serious.

“I have spoken to the guy from time to time, he went off to hospital.”

An ambulance crew and an ambulance officer were sent to help.

A spokesman said: “At the scene we treated one patient, a man believed to be in his 50s, with smoke inhalation.

“The patient was taken to Colchester General Hospital for further care.”

Eye-witnesses said the resident had a lucky escape.

His neighbour, Alan Newstead, who has lived in the area for 28 years, said: “The fire has gutted the place, he has burnt all his legs.

“He was just sitting in the front room. The whole road was shut off.

“There’s nothing left in the house, everything was gone. He was only round here three days ago.”

Neighbour Alan Newstead

Residents said a childcare centre runs from a house next door but it is not believed anyone else was injured.

Neighbours were also concerned for their own safety amidst fears the fire could spread.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson following the fire.

A spokesman said: “When we attended we found one property with significant damage and another with minor damage.

“No-one was seriously injured.

“A 58 year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of arson. He is currently in police custody.”

The spokesman added police believe it is an isolated incident and they are not looking for anyone else in connection with it.