The fire service is appealing for information after a spate of fires which were deliberately set in a south Essex village on Monday. 

The appeal comes after three fires in Doddinghurst on Monday (April 24) which saw the fire service resources being tied up for almost 24 hours.

Group manager Justin Benson-Ryal from Essex Fire and Rescue Service said: “Thankfully nobody was injured as a result of these deliberate fires but they have caused severe damage, disruption and distress.

"Also, our firefighters were tied up dealing with these fires for almost 24 hours, and during that time were not available to respond if they were needed for life-threatening emergencies like house fires and road traffic collisions. 

"All three of these incidents were entirely preventable. 

“We need your help to find out who started these fires. Using FireStoppers - an anonymous reporting service to report anything you know about deliberate fire setting - you can help to reduce dangerous and entirely preventable fires.

"You can call FireStoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 169 5558 or fill in an online form at forms.theiline.co.uk/firestoppers.”

Timeline of the deliberate fires:

  • 6.03pm -  firefighters were called to a number of vehicles on fire in Warren Lane, Doddinghurst which they believed had been set alight deliberately.
  • 6.28pm - firefighters were called to the second fire in All Saints Close, Doddinghurst, where rubbish had been set alight deliberately inside a garage.
  • 10.20pm - firefighters were called back to Warren Lane, Doddinghurst to reports that a large outbuilding containing straw was on fire.

Initially, six fire crews worked to tackle the large outbuilding fire and stop it spreading to nearby buildings.

Three fire crews remained at the scene throughout the night to continue extinguishing the fire and monitor hotspots. 

Firefighters left the scene at 10.54am on Tuesday (April 25) and specialist fire investigation officers were called in to investigate the fire. 

The joint investigation with Essex Police found that the fires were caused deliberately.

Group manager Justin Benson-Ryal added: "Every deliberate fire has victims, costs and consequences, and we need your help to stop these reckless fires. 

"Anyone with information about these fires should immediately report it to FireStoppers, who are an independent charity run by CrimeStoppers. They guarantee 100% anonymity - they are not interested in who you are - just what you know."