DETECTIVES have launched an investigation following a fire at the Coryton Commercial Depot at Meads Corner, Arterial Road, Purfleet.
Police were called just after midnight this morning (Monday, August 10) following reports that a number of diesel containers were on fire. Police assisted the fire service with road closures in the local area. Parts of the A13 at Purfleet were shut both ways. Cordons were in place at Botany Way at the junction with London Road and at Arterial Road at the junction with New Tank Hill. Colleagues from Met Police assisted Essex Police due to its proximity to the border.
No homes in the area had to be evacuated and the fire was put out at around 2am.
Detectives are working with fire investigators to establish the cause of the blaze. It appeared that only the cabs of the vehicles were on fire and not the actual containers.
DI Alan Blakesley, of Grays CID, is leading the investigation. He said: "We are treating this incident as arson. We are continuing with our enquiries this morning and carrying our further forensic investigations at the scene. We have a number of lines of enquiry including the sighting of three people who were seen running away from the depot shortly before the fire started.”
Anybody who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area prior to the start of the fire is asked to contact officers at Grays CID on Essex Police 101.
People can also give information to the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via an Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
