An investigation has been launched into a suspicious fire at a Colchester coal merchants.

Arsonists could be behind the blaze which wrecked hundreds of pounds worth of equipment and £2,000 of coal.

Firefighters were called to Charringtons' yard in Hythe Station Road at around 4.30pm on Saturday after reports that some wooden pallets were on fire.

When they arrived, the fire had spread to a five-ton pile of coal and two JCB diggers were also damaged in the blaze.

Firefighters had to ask the water company to increase pressure so they could tackle the blaze, which was brought under control within an hour.

Three fire engines were called to deal with the incident which police confirmed is being treated as suspicious. No-one was injured in the fire.

Firefighters were called to a small fire in High Woods Country Park, Colchester, at 4.15pm on Friday.

The blaze, near Brinkley Lane, is one of the first this spring and firefighters have warned people to be vigilant.

In recent years the country park has been the scene of a string of Arson attacks.

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