Essex police investigating fires at two former stations

Crews from three Essex fire stations arrived at the scene in Pitsea in the early hours of Wednesday morning

Police are investigating fires in buildings previously used as police stations.

The first was discovered at a former station on Howard Crescent, Pitsea, which had been empty since 2016, at about 00:15 GMT on Wednesday.

A second fire was discovered at the non-operational Tilbury Police Station at 14:00 GMT the same day.

Essex Police is appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

A police crew on patrol came across the fire in Pitsea, in which a two-storey building suffered a partial roof collapse and smoke damage.

The building was previously part of the Essex Police estate but was sold in 2021.

Later that day, staff on a routine visit to Tilbury Police Station, Civic Square, discovered a fire in the building.

The building is currently non operational and sustained fire and smoke damage.

No one was injured in either fire.

'Keeping an open mind'

Ch Supt Claire Talbot 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."