POLICE are appealing for the public's help after firebugs targeted a beach hut in Southend.

Officers say the hut, which was based on Thorpe Esplanade, also had items stolen from inside.

They are appealing for information and say they want to speak to a group of teenagers who may have been in the area at the time.

The criminal damage is believed to have occurred overnight between Friday 12 and Saturday, June 13.

Anyone with information is asked to call Southend's Local Policing Team on 101 quoting the incident number 42/84804/20.

If you would prefer to remain anonymous you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.