ARSONISTS ran riot during a night of chaos that saw emergency services respond to seven fires in Rayleigh town centre.

A police investigation is underway into the spate of incidents which saw businesses targeted, some of which came within moments of suffering serious damage.

The Yard Café was one of those targeted, with firebugs moving rubbish from bins and placing it against the building before setting fire to it.

Owner Serena Wallis says some of the burning rubbish was also placed in front of the café to spread the fire quickly.

She said: “I received a phone call in the middle of the night saying the coffee shop was on fire, so in a panic I rushed back and saw two fire engines and lot of smoke.

“I thought my café had burned down.”

Serena says CCTV has been passed onto police to help the investigation.

She added: “I was frightened at first, but I’m just glad nobody got hurt.

“We hope the other businesses will be ok.”

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Firefighters were able to extinguish the flames to prevent major damage to the cafe, with only the front windows burned by the fire.

Rubbish was also used to block the front doors of Mr Simms Olde Sweet shop before being set alight.

The owner, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “It’s terrible, the windows and doors have been damaged and my stockroom has been set on fire.”

The first blaze was reported shortly after 11pm on Monday in Eastwood Road.

Reports of six further fires were then reported in the space of the next 30 minutes No injuries were reported.

Mike Wilkinson, a Wheatley ward councillor said: “I’m absolutely appalled, this is an atrocious attack on a high street that is already struggling.

“We have been trying to focus our regeneration efforts towards High Street for the last few years and this is the last thing it needs.”

Essex Police is appealing for anyone with information, dash cam or doorbell footage to get in touch.

Call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.