AN investigation is under way after an arsonist started a fire beside the gates of a Colchester school.

Staff at St John’s Green Primary School found that someone had started a fire at the rear of the school.

Paint on the metal gates was burned off and an adjoining section of fence was damaged. Repairs are likely to cost £500.

Firefighters were not called but Debbie Chisholm, of Colchester police, said: “This was mindless damage that could have endangered life.

“I would urge anyone with any information about the incident, or the perpetrators, to come forward.”

  • A warning has been issued after firefighters were called to a fire at a Colchester flat, caused by smouldering cigarette ash.

Two crews from Colchester fire station’s red watch were called to the fire in Hunting Gate, off Greenstead Road, on Monday night.

The fire was put out within 30 minutes, leaving a burnt bin and smoke damage to the flat.