POLICE are hunting a man following a series of "deliberate fires" in Rayleigh High Street.

Detectives have released images of a man wanted for questioning in connection with eight incidents on Monday, July 4.

The first fire was reported shortly after 11pm on Eastwood Road.

Within half an hour a further seven fires were reported in the town centre.

No-one was injured but a number of local businesses have had stock or their premises damaged.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We are treating the fires as arson and our enquiries are ongoing.

"We need anyone who recognises the man pictured, saw anything or has any CCTV, dash cam, or doorbell footage to contact us. 

"If you have any information you can submit a report online at www.essex.police.uk or use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm. 

"Please quote the crime reference 42/173237/22.

"You can also call us on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."