Two vessels on the banks of the River Colne were destroyed by fire earlier this week

Two boats at Hythe Quay in Essex were completely destroyed by fire on Sunday with investigations into the incident inconclusive.

Firefighters from Colchester, Brightlingsea and Clacton spent up to an hour tackling the blaze on the banks of the River Colne.

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On arrival at the scene, the incident commander reported that both boats were completely alight.

Smoke from boat fire

Plumes of smoke could be seen from a distance Credit: @Colchesterviews

Emergency services used four hose reel jets to get the blaze under control, extinguishing it shortly before 5pm.

An investigation was unable to establish the cause, with the fire service stating that an accidental or deliberate start both being possibilities.