Community Minibus Valued at £62,000 Destroyed in Suspected Arson Attack

The owner of a community transport service expressed her distress after a minibus, which provided transport for vulnerable individuals, was “totally destroyed” in a suspected arson incident. Essex Police has launched an investigation following the fire, which inflicted extensive damage on the vehicle while it was parked on Golf Green Road in Jaywick. The minibus, valued at £62,000, belongs to Tendring Community Transport. This not-for-profit organization transports elderly and isolated residents to and from social events, hospital appointments, and other destinations. Pauline Mann, the chief executive of the Clacton-based company, commented: “It was very devastating to actually see the bus because it was absolutely ruined.” The blaze, which authorities are treating as arson, occurred between 21:45 GMT and 22:10 on 30 October. It took place near another van from the company’s fleet, which remained undamaged. Ms Mann stated that even the loss of a single minibus would significantly impede the company’s operations. CCTV footage reportedly showed a hooded individual holding a red jerrycan leaving the scene at the time of the fire. She further added: “What this person has done could mean that someone who is lonely, isolated and on their own that relies on this vehicle stops going out and talking to people.” Ms Mann continued: “I just don’t understand the mentality of someone who would do this and what they get out of doing this or what goes through their head.” Police officers had conducted door-to-door and CCTV inquiries; however, two weeks later, Ms Mann indicated that their efforts had not progressed quickly enough. “We’ve been chasing the police to try and get them to push it through because we still don’t have a police officer allocated to it,” she added. “We have actually put in an official complaint with the Independent Office for Police Conduct because it was taking so long.” Police officials confirmed that their “investigation is ongoing” and appealed to anyone with information to contact them.