POLICE are appealing for information after a spate of arson attacks on cars in the early hours of Monday morning.

The emergency services were called shortly after 1am when the first two fires were discovered on Brooklyn Road in Dovercourt and minute later four other cars on the street and close by were reported to be ablaze.

The cars involved were two black Vauxhall Astras, a silver Renault Clio, a black Volkswagen Golf, a white Fiat 100 and a silver Ford Fiesta. Four cars were set on fire delibrately which spread to two others. 

A garden fence and garage in Oakland Road were also damaged.

An arson investigation has been launched and police officers are working closely with the fire service to establish how the fires were started.

Inspector Chris Willis, of Harwich police, said that an extensive search was carried out including launching the police helicopter immediately, and widespread enquiries are continuing.

“We especially want to hear from anyone who saw two or three people who seemed to be together at the times the fires were started," he said.

“We also want to hear from anyone who might have seen people acting suspiciously before the fires or might have seen them running away.

"We have collected CCTV footage from a number of properties and ask that everyone in the area who has CCTV to check their footage between 12.30am and 1.30am."

Anyone with information should contact Harwich police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.