FIREFIGHTERS from Orsett, Corringham and Grays tackled a fire in a small caravan on a commercial site near the centre of Stanford-le-Hope this evening (Tuesday, 8 September).

The caravan, and a car parked next to it, were gutted in the blaze which is believed to have been started deliberately by arsonists who sneaked onto the site which is the home of Daybreak Windows.

No-one was injured in the incident which started around 6.30pm when the alarm was raised.

Eye-witnesses saw a group of older teenagers fleeing the scene.

A statement from Essex Fire and Rescue Service says: "Firefighters were called to reports of a fire involving a caravan which had also spread to a neighbouring workshop.

"When fire crews arrived they reported that the fire was well developed, and there were a number of cylinders near the fire which needed to be protected.

"Firefighters worked hard to stop the fire from spreading and managed to fully extinguish the fire by 7:50pm. The caravan has been completely destroyed and the workshop has suffered significant damage.

"The cause of the fire is not known."