Arsonists have attacked a Colchester library.

Police are hunting youths suspected of starting the blaze at the building in Prettygate Road. It is the latest in a string of criminal damage attacks and vandalism in the area.

Police promised to step up patrols after complaints about the nuisance from residents.

Just after 9pm last night a gang of youths were seen near the library. A dustbin bag was set alight and thrown on the roof, igniting felting above the toilet block. Firefighters climbed on the roof and put out the blaze.

Colchester fire station officer Dave Bridgman said: "The fire had caught hold of the tar roofing felt but fortunately it was stopped. The whole building could have gone up."

Librarian Sandy Keeble said the area had suffered several attacks of vandalism since the summer.

"We're lucky this time it was caught but from up here we can see the remains of a damaged bus shelter and there have been problems," she added.

She said on Monday some youths had ripped up books which had been donated for charity.

Earlier this week windows were smashed at a house in Landseer Road. Vandals also struck twice at the United Reformed Church in Plume Avenue where a creche meets.

Police and councillors met last June after reports of heavy drinking, casual sex, Arson, drug-taking and swearing in Prettygate.

Liberal Democrat ward councillor Paul Sheppard said today: "Unless it is actual council property which is damaged our hands are tied. The difficulty has been identifying the culprits to stop what has been going on."

Det Sgt Roger Napier, of Colchester police, said problems appeared to stem from a gang of youths who regularly hang around outside the library.

He said: "If anyone spots anything suspicious we would urge them to contact us immediately so we can send patrols in and catch the culprits."

A police investigation has been launched into last night's fire and anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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