The Environment Agency has begun an investigation into a blaze which swept through three derelict caravans and rubbish including dangerous asbestos.

Three fire crews were called in to tackle the flames off Coggeshall Road, Stisted on Sunday.

Braintree Station Officer Steve Wintrip said: "It was right down the far end of the site. We are treating it as suspicious but we have involved the Environment Agency because we suspect that it's unlawful disposal of derelict vehicles.

"There was corrugated asbestos involved. There were gas cylinders as well."

"We had to have two firefighters with breathing apparatus as a precaution after we discovered the asbestos. It took about an hour to get it under control and two hours to extinguish."

Published Thursday, April 10, 2003