HUGE explosions were heard after arsonists light a deliberate fire and destroyed three cars.

Firefighters were called to Appleton Mews, Colchester, on Sunday night after the blaze started on a car port.

The flames quickly spread to three cars parked below and ripped through them.

The car port roof collapsed causing even more damage.

>>>READ MORE: Three cars destroyed in deliberate fire

More than 25 people called 999 after seeing the smoke and huge flames.

Halstead Gazette:

Massimo Milioto, who lives nearby, was asleep when the fire started at 10.30pm.

"Something was exploding which caused me to wake up," he said.

"I thought somebody was playing with fireworks so kept trying to sleep but they noises were getting louder and louder.

"A lot of people in the area were moving their cars away from the fire to make sure they were not involved as well.

"I took my precious belongings and left my house just in case the fire spread even more.

"There were lots of people outside who thought the same thing.

"But the fire service were here so quickly and they were here for hours making sure everything was ok.

"I feel bad for the people whose cars were affected.

"I could not see exactly what was on fire to start with.

"If three cars have been destroyed then that is really serious - it is going to be tough for people financially and to sort it it on the insurance."

Other residents said there had been a rise in car-related anti-social behaviour on the street in recent days with tyres being let down and registration plates being removed.

Two fire crews from Colchester and another from Wivenhoe were called to the blaze.

Anyone with information about the fire should call Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 55511.

Details can also be given online at crimestoppers-uk.org.