A gang of young arsonists is terrorising a Canvey estate by burning down sheds and garages, it was revealed today.

Over the past week emergency services have been called to a series of fires on the Saints estate, which takes in St Paul's Road, St Marks Road and St Johns Crescent.

In the first blaze on August 1, the gang set light to a garage in St Paul's Road which was filled with furniture that the owners had stored away.

Less than a week later, on August 5, vandals targeted a garage in St Marks Road which was completely destroyed in the blaze.

As the flames took hold of the shed, officers from Canvey fire station were called out to another blaze in St John's Crescent where vandals had set fire to a V registration car and a fence.

Sgt Jim Sandford, of Rayleigh police, said: "We think all these arson attacks were carried out by the same gang as they have all taken place within a very small area."

Police are asking anyone who has information about the incidents to contact PC Dan Facey at Canvey police station on O1268 775533.

Published Tuesday August 13, 2002

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