Police are appealing for witnesses after cars were set alight in Chelmsford.

The arson attacks took place in Thames Avenue overnight on Tuesday and yesterday this week.

 

The first incident was reported to police shortly before 10pm on Tuesday after a silver Ford Mondeo and a black VW Golf were set alight.

Fire fighters attended and both vehicles were extinguished with only minor damage being caused.

Witnesses have reported two males dressed in black clothing being seen running out of the road towards the Melbourne area.

 

Following initial enquiries into this incident police arrested an 18-year-old Chelmsford man on suspicion of arson.

He was interviewed and subsequently released on police bail pending further enquiries to report back to officers on March 7.

 

The second incident was reported to police at 8.20pm on the Wednesday after a green VW Golf was set alight.

The car suffered extensive front end damage and the fire also caused damage to an adjacent VW Polo.

A further attempt was also made to set alight the silver Ford Mondeo but this failed to take hold. Fire fighters again attended to put out the fires.

 

Sgt Barry Atkinson said: "We have made one arrest in connection with our investigations so far but we believe more than one individual has been involved in these incidents and would like to hear from anyone with information which might help us identify further suspects.

"We will also be carrying out further patrols in the area as we continue to hunt for the people responsible for these attacks.”

 

Anyone with information can contact Essex Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.