Westcliff Car Explosion

POLICE have launched an arson investigation after two “linked” fires minutes apart in Westcliff and Shoebury were recorded as deliberate.

 Police were called to a road in Westcliff, following reports of a car fire on April 22.

Police cordoned off West Road, in Westcliff, when a car burst into flames in the street and began spreading to the Mercedes parked next to it.

 Residents in West Road, close to the junction with Shaftsbury Avenue, described hearing a “loud bang” before the car was seen to be ablaze.

 Flames and thick black smoke filled the sky before fire crews extinguished the fire.

  The scene was made safe by 7.13am.

 Around the same time, windows “exploded” at a flat in Bunters Avenue, Shoebury with both firefighters and police rushing to the scene. The road was closed whilst fire services attended to the incident.

 Essex Fire and Rescue have now confirmed that both fires were deliberate.

 They stated that they support the Police with their investigation into the connections between the two incidents. An Essex Police spokesman said on April 22: “We are investigating two fires in Westcliff and Shoebury.

 “We were first called to a vehicle on fire in the area of West Road, Westcliff, shortly before 6.30am on Tuesday. A short time later, we were alerted to a fire at a property in Bunters Avenue, Shoebury. Officers and fire service colleagues attended both reports. We are investigating both fires and are exploring the possibility they are linked.

 “Thankfully, no injuries have been reported.

 “Our investigation is progressing. Anyone with information or footage which could assist us should get in touch with us directly.”

 Picture: The car in flames off West Road

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