A huge explosion that left families homeless is now being investigated as suspicious.

Police say the blast at the three-story block of flats, Appleford Court, in Pitsea, is being treated as suspicious.

One man was taken to hospital for burns to his legs.

A large cordon was put in place as crews fought the ensuing fire back in September.

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An Essex Police spokesman said: "We were contacted shortly after 2pm on 14 September with reports of an explosion at a block of flats in Appleford Court, Pitsea, which resulted in a fire.

"A man inside the flat affected was taken to hospital with burns.

"Enquiries remain ongoing into the cause of the explosion, which is believed to be suspicious."