THE latest fire in Billericay town centre was “accidental”, an investigation by firefighters has concluded.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service was called to Tanfield Drive in Billericay at about 7.30pm on Thursday after reports of a vehicle fire.

On arrival, firefighters found a minibus which was 100 per cent alight with smoke from the blaze affecting nearby buildings, the fire service said.

A spokesman for the fire service confirmed the fire has been recorded as accidental and was started by an electrical fault.

It was the third major blaze in the town centre in recent weeks.