FIREFIGHTERS were called to deal with a blaze which broke out in a derelict shop in Ongar High Street early this morning.
The cause of the fire - in the former Keen Parts motor spares premises, which is almost next to the fire station - is being treated as suspicious.
Crews from Ongar and Brentwood were called out at 2am and spent about half-an-hour dealing with the incident which affected all three floors of the listed building which has stood derelict for some years.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used one hose reel to tackle the fire.
An Essex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "The cause of the fire is thought to be suspicious and a joint fire and police investigation will take place."
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