Flames engulfed a derelict warehouse for the third time in 12 months.
Firefighters battled the suspicious blaze the warehouse, former premises of Norton Hydraulics in Station Approach, Braintree, for nearly two hours early this morning as the asbestos roof of the timber building fell around them.
They also had to break into neighbouring Crossman House, an Essex County Council-owned office block, where flames had shattered several windows and threatened to spread further.
Residents are now wondering why the site has become a target for arsonists in the last year - there have previously been two small suspicious fires at the former premises of Norton Hydraulics and the former MOT Testing Centre next door was also mysteriously set alight in November.
Norton Hydraulics is currently trading from Kestrel Park, Finch Drive, Springwood Industrial Estate, Braintree.
