POLICE are appealing for information following a suspected arson attack at a block of flats in South Ockendon. Officers were contacted by the Fire Service shortly before 5.10am on Saturday August 9 following reports of a fire at the block of flats in Eden Green in South Ockendon.
Officers attended to find fire fighters dealing with the blaze and that the occupants of the nine flats had been evacuated. Several people were taken to hospital for treatment to smoke inhalation before being released. Initial enquiries by the Fire Service and police have indicated that the fire was started deliberately and it is being investigated as a suspected arson. Police are particularly interested in a man who was seen acting suspiciously near to the area at the time.
He is described as white, of skinny build, with short brown hair and was wearing a light coloured short sleeved top, blue denim jeans and had a dark coloured square-shaped bag across his chest.
Anyone with information that could assist police enquiries is asked to contact DC Kennedy Emson at Grays CID on 101 extension 360222, or ring Crimestopppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
