POLICE believe four South Essex burglaries where crooks set fire to people’s homes may be linked.

The incidents took place in Benfleet and Leigh and all the occupants were away at the time.

A house in Darlinghurst Grove, Leigh, was severely damaged by fire this morning, after it is believed to have been a broken into.

The owners were on holiday at the time.

In Manor Road, Benfleet, a large-screen TV was stolen from a home, which was then set fire to, on August 17.

A young family were made homeless due to the destruction caused by a fire in their semi-detached home in Eaton Road, Leigh, on August 21.

And sometime between August 12-24, a fire broke out at a house in London Road, Benfleet. Electrical items including a TV, games console, Sky box and jewellery had been taken from the property.

Det Sgt Ian Howitt of Southend CID said: "At this stage there isn’t anything to suggest the incidents are connected but these fires are concerning us.

"They are taking place when the owners of the properties are away from their homes and any evidence is being destroyed by the fires. The fire today has caused extensive damage.

"If anyone has any information about these incidents please do get in touch. We want to stop this from happening as it is having a devastating effect on people’s homes.”

Anybody with any information is asked to call Southend CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.