VOLUNTEERS who gave food and shelter to the victims of a suspected arson attack in Grays have been praised by detectives.
Eighteen people were evacuated to safety when a fire ripped through a row of four terraced homes in London Road in the early hours of Saturday morning (March 2).
Chief Insp Ben Hodder, the Thurrock district commander, said: "The community spirit shown in the wake of the fire has been incredible and we would like to thank all those volunteers who helped people evacuated from their homes and also provided refreshments and facilities for members of the emergency services."
He added: "I would especially like to thank staff at The Ship pub which opened to take in evacuated people who initially had nowhere to go on a freezing cold night, the Red Cross volunteers who were on scene to help the people who lost their homes, the local church and many other local residents who helped in any way they could. Their help was invaluable and went a long way to reducing the despair of the people who lost everything in the fire."
Detectives are also appealing for more information on the fire and to continue to work with the fire brigade to investigate its cause.Officers want to hear from any drivers or pedestrians who were in London Road between 2am and 3.30am on Saturday March 2 and might have seen any suspicious activity near to the row of terraced houses.
They also want to hear from witnesses who might have seen anyone running away after a fire was started outside one of the affected properties.
- A 30 year-old man from Grays, who was arrested on suspicion of arson, remains in police custody today (Sunday).- An 18-year-old man from Grays who was arrested in connection with the investigation has been released without charge and a 24-year-old man arrested at the same time has been released after accepting a caution for criminal damage at Grays.
- A 27-year-old woman from Grays who was arrested on suspicion of assault causing actual bodily harm has been bailed until March 7 pending further enquiries.
Anyone with information about the fire or circumstances leading to the incident, should contact detectives at Grays CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
