Man arrested after suspected arson attacks at train station

A 36-year-old man from Harwich was arrested by Essex Police following the incidents in Harwich on Friday night.

Two vans at the bus station and a railway station building, both in Station Approach, have been left damaged following the blaze

Emergency services were called to the scene shortly before 7.40pm on Friday.

A spokesman for Essex Police said the man “was arrested an hour later”.

The fire service was also called to a third fire, on a boat near The Quay in Harwich at about 9pm, the police are not treating this incident as connected. 

Scene- police in Harwich during the night (Image: Essex Police)

Police believe the fires were started deliberately and are treating them as arson.

The man is currently in custody being questioned on suspicion of arson, endangering life and possession of firearms offences.

Chief Inspr Jon Evans said: “I know this incident will have caused concern in our community but we have responded quickly to get a suspect into custody.

“We are working with the fire service and British Transport Police to deal with these fires, reduce the impact on the community, and establish the circumstances which led up to them.

“I need anyone who has any information about what happened to contact us”.

The force is asking for anyone with any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident to get in contact with them, quoting incident 1098 of February 2.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am and 9pm.

“Visit essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services.

“If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity @Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.”