A serial arsonist is being hunted after two further suspicious blazes on an industrial estate.

Firefighters from Canvey and Hadleigh were called to Charfleets industrial estate, on Canvey, after a vehicle was set alight in Runwood Road.

Scene of destruction - yard manager Kevin Williams looks at the damage to the cars after arsonists struck Picture: TERENCE BUNCH

Just as they returned to their stations after extinguishing the blaze, the firefighters were called to HBC Salvage Company, in Kings Road, as six cars parked on the premises were on fire.

Sub-officer Martin Roebuck said an investigation into the two blazes had been launched and both were being treated as suspicious.

He said: "There is a continuing problem of arson attacks on the Charfleets industrial estate. We believe the targets were picked at random and just caught the arsonist's eye."

The fires came just days after a suspicious blaze destroyed a lorry and caused extensive smoke damage to Kent Heating Services, in Runwood Road, last Monday night.

Earlier that evening, firefighters also had to put out a car set on fire also in Runwood Road and a portable cabin was gutted in Charfleets Road.

These incidents are also being blamed on the same arsonist.

Mr Roebuck said the latest car fire had destroyed one vehicle and damaged two others parkmed near to it. He added the six cars at HBC were also badly damaged.

This is another setback for its owner, millionaire businessman Terry Holding.

The firm's premises have been hit by thieves three times in the last two months.

Mr Holding said: "I couldn't believe it when my site manager rang to tell me. It is one thing after another."

Published Monday, May 19, 2003

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