Firefighters were called to the scene of five deliberate car fires in just one hour last night.

One engine was called to the first incident in Saint Nazaire Road at 7.49pm, where two cars were reported to be 100 per cent on fire.

Chelmsford's second engine was then sent to Tugby Place at 8.08pm where one car was on fire.

The crew used one hose reel jet to extinguish that fire by 8.22pm.

The same crew was then sent to a car alight in Flintwich Manor at 8.24pm.

One hose reel jet was used to extinguish this fire by 8.50pm.

Chelmsford first engine was then sent to a car alight in Drood Close at 8.39pm and one hose reel jet was used to extinguish the fire by 8.51pm.

In each incident, the cars were 100 per cent alight.

Police have been in attendance at each incident scene.

PC Alan Conran, a Chelmsford Officer, was at the scene of some of the incidents. 

He said: "We increased patrols in the area last night in order to reassure the people who live in the area and this is something that will carry on over the next few days.

"I'd like to thank the people who took the time to contact us last night to say they had CCTV footage which may assist us in identifying the culprits.

"This will be examined and I'm confident will lead to arrests soon."

He also tweeted throughout his shift: 

An Essex Police spokesman added: "We are investigating. We would appeal for anyone with any information or anyone who witnesses any suspicious behavior to come forward.

"Anyone who can help should call Chelmsford officers on 101 or anonymously at Crimestoppers 0800 500 111."