AN investigation has been launched into the setting of fires at two former police stations - including Tilbury.

Detectives probing the two incidents are appealing for witnesses and information to assist them.

Police staff conducting a routine visit to Tilbury Police Station on Civic Square discovered a fire shortly before 2pm on Wednesday, 6 March.

The station is currently non-operational and was unoccupied at the time. It sustained fire and smoke damage.

The station closed to the public in February 2016 but offices and its car park have continued to be used occasionally by detectives for the past few years. It was offered for sale at a guide price of around £1 million in June 2022 but apparently there were no takers.

The fire was discovered just hours after another blaze at a building that iused to be a police station in Pitsea. In the early hours of the morning in Howard Crescent, Pitsea, a patrolling police crew came upon the fire and alerted all emergency services.

Fire crews were called but the building sustained a partial roof collapse and internal fire and smoke damage. 

No one was injured in either fire.

Chief Superintendent Claire Talbot, who leads the investigation, said: "We're continuing to work closely with colleagues in Essex County Fire and Rescue Service to establish the cause of both fires.

"Although both fires caused damage to each of the buildings, we are grateful that no one has been injured as a result.

"Our investigations are at an early stage, but investigators are keeping an open mind as to whether the two incidents are linked.

"However, I'd appeal to the public to help us find who is responsible for both fires – any information they may have, could help us.

"I'd ask anyone who was driving in the Pitsea and Tilbury areas at the relevant times to check their dash cam footage to see if they have captured anything that might help our investigation, to get in touch."

The building in Howard Crescent, Pitsea, was previously part of the Essex Police estate but was sold in 2021.

A further police statement says: "If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to either incident, then please get in contact with us.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on ou r website where you can use our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on X, formerly Twitter, at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.

"Please quote the following references when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible:

"Tilbury fire – crime reference 42/36165/24.

"Pitsea fire – crime reference 42/36213/24."