ARSONISTS attempted to set fire to a motorbike and rubbish hurling aerosol cans into the flames to try and make it spread.

Police are investigating four linked attacks on a housing estate during Bonfire Night.

Fire crews were repeatedly called to Pitseaville Grove in Vange.

A spokesman for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “Crews were called to four separate incidents in Pitseaville Grove, Basildon, between 5.42pm and 8pm on Monday.

“All incidents were recorded as deliberate outdoor fires; three instances of rubbish on fire and one motorbike on fire.

“We passed all details over to Essex Police.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We were made aware of several incidents of arson in the Pitseaville Grove Area of Basildon on November 5.

“Officers attended and searched the area after receiving calls from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and members of the public.

“No injuries were reported and officers were unable to find those responsible.

“Anyone with information is asked to call Basildon Community Policing Team on 101, quoting incident 1057 of 05/11.”

The fires have prompted angry reactions from families angry that homes and property are being put at risk and that yobs, vandals and arsonists tried to ruin fireworks nights as well as taking firefighters away from saving people.

Councillor Craig Rimmer said: “Any sort of violence like that is completely unnecessary.

“I’m sure the police will be doing their best to crack down on this issue. They must have a zero-tolerance attitude when it comes to things like this and residents must help by reporting to police about any issues of vandalism and crimes like this in the borough.

“It’s a worrying escalation from incidents of vandalism to arson.

“I hope whoever has done this, whether it’s a group or individual is isolated and that this isn’t a trend.”

Councillor Luke Mackenzie, added: “I hope whoever it was is captured as soon as possible as it’s very dangerous. There should be up to 300 new officers across Essex in the next two years, so hopefully this will help.”