A man has been arrested for "arson with intent to endanger life" after a house fire in South Essex.

Last night, emergency services rushed to a property near Church End in Paglesham, following reports of a disturbance and a fire.

Officers worked to resolve the situation as quickly as possible, whilst Essex Fire extinguished a blaze at the property.

Essex Police say a 65-year-old man from Paglesham was later arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and assault.

The force has thanked residents for their "support and understanding" following the incident.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We were on scene with our emergency service partners at an address in Church End in Paglesham, Rochford following a disturbance involving a man inside a property there.

"Officers worked to resolve the situation as quickly and safely as possible.

"A 65 year-old man from Paglesham was later arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and assault.

"We want to thank local residents for their support and understanding."

A spokesman for Essex Fire added: "Firefighters responded to a fire near Church End, Paglesham which started at around 8.45pm on Thursday.

"Crews extinguished the fire by 9.15pm and ventilated the property.

"A fire investigation will be carried out into the cause of the fire."