POLICE are investigating whether there are links between two house fires which caused thousands of pounds of damage and left two families homeless.

The blazes, at properties in Manor Road, Benfleet, and Eaton Road, Leigh, both happened after suspected burglaries, while the owners were away and within days of one another.

A landlord also believes a third fire at his property in London Road, Benfleet, could be linked after burglars broke in and started a fire in the hallway which caused £30,000 damage.

Again the occupants of the house, his tenants, were on holiday at the time.

All three incidents are within five miles of one another.

Essex Police say investigations are continuing into whether the fires are linked.

Mark Connolly, owner of the property in London Road, which was torched between August 21 and August 24, said: “My tenants were away on holiday at the time of the burglary.

“When they came home, they found the property had been broken into and a fire had been started in the hallway.

“Luckily, the fire burned itself out, but has still caused around £30,000 of damage and my tenants have had to be put into alternative accommodation.

“I’ve heard about the other two incidents, which happened around the same time, and it is extremely worrying.

“I’m really keen just to warn homeowners and landlords to be vigilant.”

Burglars raided the Manor Road property on August 17.

The £500,000 home had recently been refurbished and Essex Fire and Rescue was alerted to the blaze byamystery caller.

Firefighters alerted police after it became clear the house was empty, but there were signs of a break-in. In the incident at Eaton Road, Leigh, a young family were left homeless.

Neighbours reported hearing sounds, as if metal was being lifted or a car was being stolen, prior to the fire.