Families living in hotels after Clacton-on-Sea arson attack

A driving instructor whose home and cars were damaged in a fire that tore through three businesses said he had lost his livelihood.

Three shops and several homes were affected by the blaze in West Avenue, Clacton-on-Sea, in the early hours of Monday morning.

Arnold Zapanta, who is one of 13 people still unable to return to their homes, said the scenes were “very scary”.

Essex Police said a 42-year-old man from the town had been arrested on suspicion of arson and was in custody.

Mr Zapanta, who was at home with his wife, mum and two brothers, said he only became aware of the fire when he woke up to go to the toilet and noticed a red glow through a window, which had cracked because of the heat.

“The scary part was not knowing if the fire was at the front door. Luckily it wasn’t, so we were able to get out,” said the 54-year-old.

“There was a guy outside our front door when we came out telling us ‘Come on, let’s get out’ and I think he did the same for our neighbour.”

He was able to book two hotel rooms for his family for two nights but, because most hotels in the town are fully booked for the Clacton Airshow on Thursday and Friday, he will have to stay with friends and family until his home is declared safe.

He said he was dealing with his insurer and hoped to replace three cars that were damaged by the fire, but he cannot work in the meantime.

“I’m glad I’m alive but I’m really sad for certain pupils who are going to be taking their tests and I can’t do anything about it.”

About 40 firefighters attended the blaze at 00:35 BST.

Codgers of Clacton – a furniture shop – was completely alight. Two other businesses in the same building – Mattress Man of Essex and Easy Mobility Services – were also destroyed.

Up to 70 residents were evacuated from their homes and taken to a refuge centre set up in a nearby hotel, before later moving to a leisure centre.

Tendring District Council said most of them had returned home by Monday afternoon, but 13 remained in temporary accommodation while structural engineers completed investigations.

Paul Vickery, managing director of Easy Mobility Services, said he had been “quite overwhelmed by the support from our clients”.

“The fact there hasn’t been more damage is utterly incredible,” he said.

“[The fire service] has done a phenomenal job to save people’s houses and other livelihoods, so let’s be thankful nobody was hurt.”

He said he was looking for alternative premises so the business could continue trading in the north Essex town.

“We will come back stronger and better,” he added.

Damian Williams, a corporate director at the district council, said: “Scaffolding has now been put up at the site and structural engineers have advised that part of a wall will need to be carefully demolished to make the area secure.

“Protective fencing has been installed up to the edge of the road, and West Avenue has now reopened to traffic.”