YOBS torched a fast food restaurant causing £16,000 damage.

The Echo told yesterday how a probe had been launched into the blaze at Farm Pizza, Clay Hill Road, Basildon.

Police have now confirmed the fire was started deliberately.

The yobs set fire to the wooden roof of the fast food restaurant. It was wrecked and food worth £1,000 was also destroyed.

Fire crews from Basildon raced to the blaze and spent around an hour putting it out.

Investigating officer PC Ollie Herring, of Basildon police, said: “This business has almost been completely destroyed by this fire, which no small business needs to suffer, especially in the run-up to Christmas. Did you see anyone on the roof or hanging around the shop, behaving suspiciously?

“If you did, you may hold information vital to our investigation.”

Witnesses to the fire, which happened between 11pm on Sunday and 5am the next day, can contact PC Herring on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.