Police are appealing for information after 12 lorries, worth £1m, were destroyed in an arson attack at a transport yard in Brentwood.
Forty-five firefighters from across Essex and Havering tackled the blaze yesterday involving more than 100 lorry tyres.
A security guard raised the alarm after a routine check at the container company off Codham Hall Lane, Great Warley at about 12.30am.
The yard, which is close to junction 29 between the M25 and A127, is on the former construction site used during the widening of the motorway.
Crews from Brentwood and Orsett were originally sent to the scene, but crews from Basildon, Harold Hill and Romford and a water Bowser from Chelmsford were called for back up.
Essex Police said the tipper lorries were destroyed and separate fires were started in the cabs of all the 12 vehicles.
Investigating officer PC Richard Dines said: “The transport yard is close to the A127 and the M25 and 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 call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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