TWO youngsters have been arrested following a theft and arson attack on a motorbike.

Essex Police and Essex Fire and Rescue were called to Stalin Road in Colchester at about 2am yesterday.

Witnesses told the Gazette they had been woken in the early hours of the morning by the sound of a motorbike and then a helicopter which is said to have hovered over houses in the Barn Hall area a few hours later.

Officers found “significant damage” had been caused to the motorbike and parts of the front of a property had also been charred.

Police then entered a property nearby yesterday afternoon as part of the investigation.

A police car and police van were at the scene at about 2pm.

Four police officers emerged from an address around 45 minutes later carrying plastic bags containing what is believed to evidence.

A police spokeswoman said a fast response from the fire service prevented the fire spreading to the home of the motorbike owner.

Read more >>> Boy, 12, and teen arrested on suspicion of arson after motorbike catches fire

She said yesterday: “The fire did not spread into the home thanks to quick-thinking actions of the homeowner and a fast response from the fire service.

“A 12-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy, both from Colchester, have been arrested on suspicion of arson and theft of a motor vehicle.

“They remain in custody for questioning.”

Essex Police said it was also investigating a separate incident in Rowhedge last night.

The spokesman added: “We are also investigating two people acting suspiciously in Rowhedge late last night. We believe they were wearing dark clothes and balaclavas.

“We need anyone who witnessed either incident or has any CCTV, dash cam, or doorbell footage to contact us.

“If you have any information, you can submit a report online or use the Live Chat button to speak to an online operator between 7am and 11pm.

“Please quote crime reference number 42/112017/22.

“You can also call us on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”