Canvey teens start two fires in three days near park

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service believe both fires to have been deliberately started by youths.

Wednesday's fire was still burning when crews arrived (Image: Essex County Fire and Rescue Service) At 7.55pm on Monday, crews arrived at the scene to find a bonfire consisting of fencing panels and wood logs. The fire was extinguished at 8.13pm.

At 6.50 on Wednesday evening, firefighters received a second report of fire from Essex Police. Crews returned to the scene to find the debris had be re-lit. This fire was also extinguished.

A spokesman for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: "Firefighters were called to an incident near Blackthorne Road, Canvey at 6.47pm. On arrival crews found a bonfire. We believe the cause of this fire was deliberate.

"Deliberate fires are dangers – they put lives at risk and also tie up our time when we might be needed for a more serious emergency somewhere else.

"Please help us stop these happening. Tell us what you know – it's 100 per cent anonymous. We’re not interested in who you are – just what you know. Call: 0800 169 5558 or visit Firestoppers online https://forms.theiline.co.uk/firestoppers"

The shelter at the fire site appeared to be damaged by the flames (Image: Essex County Fire and Rescue Service) Photos posted to Facebook on Wednesday by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service show charred debris surrounding a metal shelter at King George V playing field.

The shelter appeared to be damaged by the fires.