Container fire at empty smallholding 'deliberate'

A fire that devastated derelict buildings at a rural smallholding was started deliberately, investigators said.

Crews from Brentwood, Ongar, Loughton, Grays and Harlow all attended the scene at Navestock, Essex at about 21:30 GMT on Friday.

On arrival, firefighters discovered two ISO containers, which are similar to shipping containers, and outbuildings alight.

Crew manager Anthony Wakelin, of Essex County Fire and Rescue services, said: "Crews worked tirelessly in difficult conditions to bring this fire under control and prevent further damage."

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