OFFICERS investigating a fire at Lakeside shopping centre arrested a teenage boy on suspicion of arson.
Essex Fire Service colleagues were initially called out to the fire, in a stairwell of a multi-story car park, shortly before 3pm on Sunday 7 July.
Their investigation revealed suspicious circumstances around the incident and we were alerted.
Our officers attended and conducted enquiries around CCTV and forensic opportunities at the scene.
As a result of this work, a 17-year-old boy, from Grays, was arrested on Tuesday 9 July on suspicion of arson.
He was questioned and released on bail with conditions attached while our enquiries continue.
Sergeant Amelia Moore, of Thurrock Community Policing Team, said: “We are aware of the public concern connected to this fire and we have worked hard with our fire service colleagues to investigate the cause.
“We maintain a presence at Lakeside throughout the year and will continue to work with partners to ensure visitors to this busy shopping centre feel safe.”
We would urge anyone with information which could assist us to get in touch.
You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service which is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.
It can be found at the bottom right of our homepage at www.essex.police.uk.
Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services.
Please cite incident reference number 42/103953/24.