A POLICE investigation is to be launched after a fire claimed seven vehicles.

Essex County Fire and Rescue teams were called to an incident in Sedge Road, Roydon today at around 2.50am.

Upon arrival the crews from Harlow, Waltham Abbey and Hoddesdon found a number of cars alight.

The fire had also spread to the rear of two vehicle workshops.

Firefighters had to act quickly to remove a number of oxygen-acetylene and argon gas cylinders from the workshops.

The fire was extinguished by 4.40am.

Watch Manager Dan Byatt said: "The fire was spreading quickly when we arrived, with seven vehicles and the rear of the workshops alight.

"Crews worked really hard to fight and contain the fire and limit damage to the workshops to about 30%."

An investigation in to the fire found the blaze was started deliberately.

The incident has been left in the care of the police who will now launch an investigation.