A man has been charged with 12 offences, including six counts of arson, after a series of car fires in Brightlingsea.

Officers swiftly made an arrest after reviewing footage and patrolling the areas of Red Barn Road and Chapel Road, following reports of a string of fires in the area at around 2am on Wednesday 16 August.

Charges have now been authorised against Todd Colbourne, 31, of Dean Street, Brightlingsea.

He faces six counts of arson, two of attempted theft from a motor vehicle, two of interfering with a motor vehicle and two of theft from a motor vehicle.

He is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday 17 August).

Police continue to appeal for anyone with information to come forward, particularly those in the Brightlingsea area who have noticed their vehicle has been interfered with between the hours of 1am and 3.30am on 16 August.

DS Dan Jeffries, of Tendring CID, said:

“This continues to be a truly collaborative investigation within Essex Police.
“It has involved both uniformed officers working with the community in Brightlingsea and support from our Public Protection Unit, forensic teams, CIDs across Tendring and Colchester, and fast work from officers continuing well into the night.
“We have also worked alongside colleagues with Essex Fire and Rescue Service, who deployed to the scene to safeguard the community.
“We are still keen to hear from anyone who may have had their vehicle interfered with overnight.
“Anyone with CCTV is encouraged to contact us.
“The more information the better, as any further footage or detail from you could help us with our inquiries and our ongoing work to keep you safe.”

(Article supplied by Essex Police).