Arsonists are targeting empty, boarded-up buildings in Colchester, a leading firefighter has warned.

Colchester fire station commander Alan Rayner issued the warning after two suspicious blazes were started in the Myland area of town early on Saturday morning.

Aftermath - firefighters survey the scene at the former Royal London Sports Centre. Inset: Peter Browning, proprietor of Calibre Cars, Cowdray Avenue, Colchester, with the burned-out wreck. Picture: STEVE ARGENT

Firefighters were alerted to a blaze at the former Royal London Sports Centre in Mill Road at about 6am.

While at the scene, they noticed another fire in a shed on the grounds of nearby Colchester Rugby Club.

It took firefighters about an hour to control both blazes.

Mr Rayner said the former sports centre had been targeted by arsonists several times before.

He said nobody was hurt by either fire.

A spokesman for Essex Police said both fires are being treated as suspicious.

A spokesman for Colchester Rugby Club said it was the first time one of the buildings in its grounds had been set on fire.

Colchester and District Archery Club have owned the shed for the past nine years.

The fire has cost them almost £2,000 in archery targets and stands. The shed is estimated to be worth more than £2,000.

Any witnesses are invited to call Colchester police station on 01206 762 212

Published Monday, January 20, 2003