Man charged after Clacton fire deemed deliberate
No injuries reported after blaze in West Avenue
Last updated 20th Aug 2025
A man has been charged following a fire in West Avenue, Clacton, earlier this week.
Emergency services were called to the scene at 12.40am on Monday, August 18. Crews from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service worked quickly to bring the blaze under control, and fortunately no one was injured.
A fire service investigation concluded the fire had been started deliberately, prompting Clacton CID to launch a criminal inquiry.
Following swift police work, a man in his 40s was arrested in Clacton.
Christian Capes, 42, of Beach Road, Clacton, has since been charged with arson with intent to endanger life.
He is due to appear before Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court today (Wednesday, August 20).