ESSEX Firefighters were called to a van fire on the fifth level of a multi-storey car park in Harlow.

On arrival on Terminus Street, crews reported that a van was on fire and the fire had spread to two vans parked either side of it.

Crews worked to extinguish the fire by 12:49pm.

Three vans were completely destroyed and a further three vans were smoke damaged.

The fifth level of the car park also suffered smoke and heat damage.

Initial observations indicate that the cause of the fire was deliberate and a full investigation will take place.

Watch Manager Steve Harrison said: “Our crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading despite difficult access getting the hoses up the external staircase.

“With multiple cars on fire, crews took the decision to close the road next to the car park which leads to a bus station. I’d like to thank the public for their patience while we dealt with this incident.”