A massive blaze at Southend's Customs and Excise building may be linked to arson attacks in Middlesex and Surrey.
The fire swept through part of Alexander House in Victoria Avenue after a window was smashed and petrol was poured into a ground floor filing area, police revealed.
More than 80 firefighters battled to contain the inferno on Thursday, October 26, which destroyed thousands of VAT files.
Detectives said the fire could be connected with similar attacks at Customs and Excise buildings in Middlesex, on August 8, and Surrey, on September 3.
Det Sgt Brian Cook of Southend CID said: "The way the attacks were carried out was very similar. In all of these cases someone smashed a window and threw a flammable liquid inside.
"We're keeping an open mind and working closely with the other police forces."
Forensic teams searched the area carefully and relevant CCTV footage was being examined.
The police appealed for people who saw anything suspicious shortly before 11.30pm on October 26 near Alexander House to contact them.
The fire caused major disruption to the building, particularly with damage caused by smoke and water.
A fire at the VAT office in Staines, Middlesex, which broke out on the ground floor on August 8, also damaged files and computer records.
Ten firefighters took three hours to bring it under control and it was thought parts of the building would have to be closed for three weeks.
Fire crews were faced with the same scenario at the Cust-oms and Excise building in Woking, Surrey, on September 3, where the arsonist used a ladder to climb to the first floor.
A red plastic jerry can containing a flammable liquid was discovered nearby.
There were no casualties from any of the fires.
If you saw anything suspicious or can help in any way, call Det Sgt Brian Cook at Southend CID on 01702 431212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111
By Chris Weeks
Reporter's e-mail: chris.weeks@notes.newsquest.co.uk
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