AN investigation has been launched after a flat was completely destroyed by a fire this morning.

Fire crews from Colchester and Wivenhoe raced to the scene in Stanley Wooster Way, in Colchester, just before midday.

Crews reported the Greenstead flat, which is on the ground floor of a two-storey building, was completely smoke logged.

A spokesman for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: "Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire by 12.21pm.

"Fire crews used thermal imaging cameras to ensure that there were no remaining hotspots within the property.

"Unfortunately the flat has been completely destroyed and an investigation into the cause of the fire will now take place."

Nobody is believed to have been injured.