A HOUSEBOAT was the target of a suspected arson attack, it has been revealed.

Fire crews from Colchester and Wivenhoe were called to Haven Road, Colchester, just before 8pm yesterday.

It took two hours for the fire to be put out.

It is understood that the houseboat was vacant and therefore no injuries were sustained because of the deliberate fire.

A spokesperson for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “Firefighters were called to a houseboat on fire in Colchester last night (Thursday, May 25).

“Crews reported that the boat, which is believed to be unoccupied, was fully alight.

“Crews extinguished the fire by 10pm.”

Gazette: Incident - Firefighters from Colchester and Wivenhoe were called to the sceneIncident - Firefighters from Colchester and Wivenhoe were called to the scene (Image: ECFRS)

They continued: “Firefighters believe the fire was started deliberately.

“If you know how this fire started, you can report it to FireStoppers, 100 per cent anonymously. FireStoppers is a completely independent charity, who are 100 per cent anonymous, 100 per cent of the time.”

For news updates straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

There is a long history of houseboats mooring up on the River Colne at King Edward Quay, which is behind Haven Road.

The quay stretches between the Colne Causeway roundabout, which is close to a Co-op convenience store and The Maltings student accommodation, and the bottom of Haven Road, close to its junction with Whitehall Road.

Essex Police confirmed they are aware of the incident, which they are investigating as arson.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We are investigating after colleagues with Essex Fire and Rescue Service alerted us to a fire on a boat off Haven Road, Colchester, shortly after 8pm on Thursday, May 25.

“The boat is believed to be derelict and there was no threat to life established.

“We do believe the fire was deliberately started.

“Anyone with information or relevant footage which could assist our investigation is asked to come forward."

Reports can be made online at essex.police.uk/digital101 or by calling 101, quoting incident 1253 of May 25.

Hythe councillor Lee Scordis said he was “shocked to see this happen in the area”.

Gazette: Shocked - Lee ScordisShocked - Lee Scordis (Image: Councillor Lee Scordis)

“The houseboat community in the Hythe is a very strong community,” he added. “Hopefully they, alongside the police, can work together to help find whoever is responsible.”