ARSONISTS have destroyed 12 tipper trucks valued at more that £1million in an attack at a motorway maintenance depot near Brentwood.
A joint police and fire service probe has been launched following the fires at a site off Codham Hall Lane, Great Warley, close to the M25.
An investigation has shown that separate fires were started in the cabs of all 12 vehicles owned by Middlesex-based firm Derbyoakes. The lorries were being used by the Balfour Beatty and Skanska consortium that had been contracted to work on the multi-billion pound M25 widening works.
The yard, which is close to Junction 29 of the M25 at the A127, is on the former construction site used during the motorway works and is owned by Brentwood farmer Christopher Padfield.
He said: "Whoever had set fire to these lorries knew what they were doing.
"It is pretty clear this was their intention."
Although the site had largely been cleared following the completion of the works, Skanska Balfour Beatty still have a presence on the site as part of its maintenance contract with the Highways Agency.
At one point 48 firefighters from eight fire stations were involved in tackling the blaze on Sunday that was reported at 12.30am.
Essex Police are now appealing for information. Investigating officer Pc Richard Dines said: "We would like to hear from anyone driving past who might have seen any suspicious activity in the area.
"We believe that whoever started these fires might have broken into each lorry to start a fire in the cab which means they could have been in the yard for some time before 12.30am.
"We also want to hear from anyone who might have any information about any events leading to the arson attack."
Anyone who can help should call Pc Dines at Loughton CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
