£62k community minibus destroyed in suspected arson

The minibus, belonging to Tendring Community Transport, was found destroyed in Jaywick

The owner of a community transport scheme said she was distraught after a minibus used by the vulnerable was "totally destroyed" during a suspected arson attack.

Essex Police is investigating after the fire caused extensive damage to the vehicle, which was parked up in Golf Green Road, Jaywick.

The £62,000 minibus belongs to Tendring Community Transport, a not-for-profit company which ferries elderly and isolated residents to and from social events, hospital appointments and more.

Pauline Mann, chief executive of the Clacton-based firm, said: "It was very devastating to actually see the bus because it was absolutely ruined."

Pauline Mann said seeing the burnt-out wreckage was "devastating"

The inferno, which is being treated as arson by the police, occurred between 21:45 GMT and 22:10 on 30 October, close to another van from the company’s fleet.

That vehicle escaped unscathed, but even the loss of one minibus would hugely impact on the work the company does, said Ms Mann.

CCTV footage appeared to show a hooded figure holding a red jerrycan leaving the scene at the time of the fire.

She added: "What this person has done could mean that someone who is lonely, isolated and on their own that relies on this vehicle stops going out and talking to people.

"I just don’t understand the mentality of someone who would do this and what they get out of doing this or what goes through their head."

CCTV footage showed a hooded figure holding a red jerrycan leaving the scene at around the time of the fire

Police officers had conducted door-to-door and CCTV inquiries but, two weeks on, Ms Mann said they had not worked quick enough.

"We've been chasing the police to try and get them to push it through because we still don't have a police officer allocated to it," she added.

"We have actually put in an official complaint with the Independent Office for Police Conduct because it was taking so long."

Police said their "investigation is ongoing" and asked anyone with information to get in touch.