A man has been arrested following a suspected arson attack at a mechanics in which nine vehicles were destroyed.

Two workshops were engulfed in flames at Spanners Garage in Sedge Green, Roydon, at about 2.30am on Wednesday, July 1.

Both buildings were damaged, nine vehicles were destroyed and a van was scorched.

Fire crews removed a number of oxygen-acetylene and argon gas cylinders from the workshops and extinguished the fire by 4.40am.

Watch Manager Dan Byatt said: "The fire was spreading quickly when we arrived, with seven vehicles and the rear of the workshops alight. Crews worked really hard to fight and contain the fire and limit damage to the workshops to about 30 per cent."

Epping Forest Guardian:

Essex Fire and Rescue had the fire under control after two hours.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson and released on bail until July 27.

Essex Police are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw anything suspicious or has any dash cam footage or CCTV.

Detectives understand a man in a grey car spoke to the owners of the garage and asked if they’d called the fire service. Officers think he could be a key witness and would like to speak to him.

Contact Loughton CID on 101 quoting reference 42/96616/20.

You can also report online at https://www.essex.police.uk or report 100 per cent anonymously through Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

Epping Forest Guardian:

For more breaking news, local headlines and features, ‘like’ our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter account: @EppingFGuardian

Follow us to keep up-to-date with news in Epping Forest.