Man arrested after string of arsons burn down cars and homes in …

A man has been arrested after a string of arsons in Essex. Police received calls relating to fires in the areas of Red Barn Road and Chapel Road, Brightlingsea, shortly after 2am on Wednesday morning (August 16).

Six car offences, including arsons and thefts from motor vehicles, were reported. Two houses also suffered damage due to a nearby car fire. After conducting enquiries, including checks of ring doorbell footage and patrols of the area, officers made an arrest.

By 3.30am, a 31-year-old man, from Brightlingsea, was in custody for questioning on suspicion of arson. DS Dan Jeffries, of Tendring CID, said: “We were able to quickly trace a suspect thanks to the help of residents who alerted us to suspicious activity in the area.

“This was a prime example of close working between officers in Brightlingsea and the community. Where issues are raised with us, we listen and we act quickly to keep people safe.

“Our investigation into these incidents continues and we need anyone who may have further information to come forward. Crucially, we are keen that people in the area check their cars, as we believe some were accessed but nothing was taken.”

Essex Police are now appealing for information. If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with police. You can let them know by submitting a report online or by using our Live Chat service.

Live Chat is an online service available on our website Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm, where you can send and receive real-time direct messages with an online digital 101 operator.

To use the service, select the ‘Live Chat’ icon at the bottom right of your screen when you’re on our website. It can be accessed from a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or mobile phone. Alternatively you can call police on 101. Please quote incident 93 of 16 August.

References

1. ^{^} Overturned lorry shuts M11 near Stansted Airport – live updates (www.essexlive.news)