AN ARSON investigation has been launched after cars were set alight in an underground car park in Little Thurrock.
The attack occurred at 1 am on Friday morning in Martello Close, Grays.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used one jet and one hose reel to tackle the blaze.
Once the fire was out, they used a high pressure fan to clear the area of smoke.
Initially two appliances were sent to the scene but on arrival at the scene, the incident commander requested the attendance of an additional crew.
At 02:09 hrs, crews reported steady progress and by 02:44 hrs, the fire was out.
The Electricity Board was called to deal with damaged external wiring and the Water Board to isolate a burst pipe.
The incident was dealt with by 02:59 hrs.
A joint Police and Fire Service investigation will be carried out to establish the cause, which is thought to be suspicious.
2nd fire there, a black car was burnt out at the entrance to this estate last week.