Arsons Spanning Seven Years Linked

Police are now linking a series of fires in Colchester, which have taken place on the same street for the last seven years.

They all happened on Windmill Court, Turner Road.

In the early hours of August 20, 2004 a fire damaged ten vehicles and caused the collapse of a car port.

CCTV showed a car entering and leaving the area.

On June 30, 2005 there was another fire in the early evening.

The third fire was on March 11, 2009, again in the early hours of the morning.

Several vehicles were damaged to the value of £30,000 and nearby premises were evacuated, and roads closed.

On this occasion a suspect was seen who is described as being a white man, mid 20s, 5'7", with fair hair. 

The most recent fire was on Monday, May 16, 2011, again in the early hours, with two vehicles damaged.

Once again residents had to be evacuated from nearby premises.

Pc Jacqui Baird of Colchester police said: “We believe that all of these incidents are linked and probably the work of the same person.

“It is a miracle that no-one has been injured in any of the arson attacks.

“I am sure that someone must have their suspicions about the person responsible.”

Anyone with information should contact police at Colchester on 0300 333 4444, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, Community Fire Safety Officer Martin Avent on 01376 576621 or Firewatch on 01376 576623.