AN outbuilding that was used by the probation service has been destroyed by fire.

The suspected arson attack took place in Redwood Drive, Writtle, on the building behind Longmead House.

It happened last Thursday, July 29, at 2.35am when two appliances from Chelmsford attended.

Firefighters put out the blaze by 3.20am.

A joint police and fire investigation is being carried out to establish the cause.

A spokeswoman for Essex Police said it was being treated as arson and the theft of a white transit van from the site was also being investigated.

Anyone who witnessed the fire or saw anything suspicious is asked to contact police on 0300 3334444.