Mermaids Burger Bar in Clacton destroyed by suspected arson

Emma and Barry Ansell ran the Mermaids Burger Bar in Valleybridge Road in Clacton for more than six years until their business was recently brought to an abrupt end.

On Monday, the north Essex couple awoke to find their beloved burger van completely destroyed by an overnight fire.

The couple had been running the burger van for six and a half years (Image: Essex police) Police say the blaze started at about 1.30am and multiple fire crews and police were called to the scene. 

Officers say the fire is believed to be an arson and they are actively investigating the incident.

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The fire happened in the early hours of the morning (Image: Essex police) Mr Ansell, who moved to Clacton from London 29 years ago, said: “We are absolutely devastated. We have no idea why someone would do this and take away our business overnight.

"This was half of our income to pay our bills and live a simple life and now it's six and a half years of hard work down the drain. It's not like things aren't hard enough at the moment as it is.

READ MORE: Suffolk and Essex Crime News

Emma and Barry Ansell are appealing for information to help find out what happened (Image: Essex police) READ MORE: Man charged with supply of cocaine and heroin after police raid in town

"I’d appeal to anyone who knows anything to get in touch. We just can’t understand it.”

Investigating officer PC Matthew Harkness, of Essex Police, added: “We are liaising with colleagues from Essex Fire to determine the cause, but it is believed that the fire was started deliberately.”

Anyone with information should contact Essex police referencing the case and the date of the incident, November 4.