A DETECTIVE has slammed "reckless" criminals who torched five lorries leaving a company facing thousands of pounds worth of damage. 

Essex Police are investigating after five lorries were set alight early this morning, Tuesday 30 June.

They were called to JKS Construction on the Purdeys Industrial Estate in Purdeys Way, Rochford, shortly before 6am.

Det Con Iain White said: “The lorries suffered extensive damage.

"This reckless criminal behaviour has caused damage costing several hundred thousand pounds and significant disruption to the business."

"The investigation is still in its early stages and we are reviewing CCTV and making other enquiries.

"We’ve established the fire started sometime around 5am to 5.15am.

"We’d like to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw anyone acting suspiciously, or has any camera footage that might be able to help with our enquiries."

Contact Southend CID on 101 quoting incident 125 of 30 June.

You can also report online at www.essex.police.uk Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org.