The ferocious storm last Friday caused havoc to roads and houses.

Heavy rainfall or even lightning may be to blame for extensive damage to a pavement.

The damage to paving in Maldon High Street was noticed by shoppers.

Users of the Maldon Standard Facebook site speculated that recent extreme weather conditions may have resulted in the wreckage.

An Essex Highways spokesman said: “Staff were on site at 11am last Friday to carry out a temporary repair and make the footway safe for pedestrians."