RESIDENTS say they are living in fear after a series of escalating arson attacks and other incidents at a block of flats.

Pensioner Robert Bush, 73, is one of many left frightened for his life when a motorbike was left in a stairwell and set on fire blocking off the exit at Trinity Court.

Aiden Hare’s daughter, Lexi-Mai, was rescued from a first floor window by residents.

Mr Bush, who has lived there for 26 years, was treated for smoke inhalation by paramedics and has since had to make four visits to the doctor.

He said: “This is the third fire we have had here in the last year.

“It’s not a nice place to live now. If I was ten years younger I would move out.

“I don’t feel safe anymore and a lot of us here are scared.

“Someone is deliberately starting these fires.One of my neighbours who suffers with anxiety has had to go away because they are so scared.”

Mr Bush also raised concerns about Trinity Court’s lack of fire escapes.

He said: “I have been telling them for years the doors we have here aren’t good enough.

“There is only one exit out of the block and that was the one set on fire.

“We cannot get out when there is a fire. It’s just an accident waiting to happen.”

Another resident at Trinity Court, Halstead has also admitted she is scared and fears the flats are being deliberately targeted.

Mary Rooke said: “It’s upsetting, it has scared me, it has scared my daughter.

“The door to the block is broken so it’s easy to get in.

“It looked to me that they blocked that stairway for a reason.

“What’s the next thing they are going to do? We have got elderly people and children in here, it is not good enough.”

Police took the motorbike away for tests and have now confirmed that a 34-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of arson.

He has since been released on bail until November 25.

The housing association which manages Trinity Court has now confirmed it will meet with residents in a bid to reassure them of their safety following the latest fire.

It follows criticism of Greenfields Community Housing after they previously claimed to know nothing about previous problems with fires or anti-social behaviour at the flats.

A spokesman said: “Following the fire we are visiting residents in Trinity Court to give them the opportunity to discuss any issues or concerns.

“While the previous two incidents were quickly contained, the safety of our residents is our priority and we carry out regular fire assessments and inspections.

“We also provide fire safety information on our website and in our newsletters, including the potential dangers of blocking communal areas, and held a fire safety event in partnership with Essex Fire Service last year.”

Greenfields confirmed the flats close to last week’s fire were not badly damaged.