FRUSTRATED residents could be without power for weeks following a fire at a block of flats.

Three homes in Rockells, Basildon, have been without electricity since Sunday afternoon, after a blaze damaged cables in the building’s storage cupboard.

They have been told it could take up to three weeks for the problem to be fixed.

Firefighters were called to the building at about 3pm on Sunday, and one flat suffered from smoke damage.

A woman was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene.

Firefighters believe the fire was started deliberately, while residents claim they have seen groups of youngsters breaking into the storage cupboard in the past.

A spokesman for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “We believe the fire was started deliberately.

“We can’t entirely rule out an accident, but it would seem this was done deliberately.”

Mo Slade, Basildon Council's manager of housing choice, said: "We have advised the residents they can have alternative accommodation.”

“However, the residents affected have made their own arrangements to stay with friends and family until their properties are habitable again.”

Ms Slade added: “If their situation changes we encourage them to contact us as soon as possible.”