A FAMILY was today counting the cost of a blaze which destroyed three workshops in their garden.

Steve kemp, 49, from Hovefields Drive, Wickford, estimates the cost of replacing two vehicles, a go-cart and several tools could be up to £6,000 on top of the loss of the buildings.

An investigation into the cause of the blaze which began in the early hours yesterday, is now underway.

Mr Kemp said: "I will await the forensics report, but don't believe it could have caught fire on its own."

Mr Kemp was alerted by police who spotted the flames as they drove along the A127 at about 3.40am this morning.

Essex Police spokeesman Donna Veasey said: "We await information from the fire service as to whether this is suspicious."

Fire investigators are expected on the scene at 10am.

Full story in tomorrow's Echo.