An extraordinary double attempt to destroy a familiar Harold landmark has been foiled - thanks to the bravery of firefighters.

Crews were twice called to the old Smith and Nephew building on Colchester Road, Harold Hill, over the weekend as two blazes threatened the building within hours of each other.

Firefighters believe both blazes were started deliberately.

Early on Saturday night, the fire service was called to the empty building after flames were spotted around a nearby mobile office.

The blaze was put out and the fire crews left, but just hours later, at 5am on Sunday, they were amazed to find themselves being called back, this time to deal with a fire in a large storeroom packed with paper.

Fearing an inferno, eight crews from Romford, Hornchurch and Dagenham donned breathing apparatus and forced their way into the smoke-logged, three-storey building, struggling against the smoke and heat for two and a half hours.

Firefighter Nigel Ward, one of the first crews at the scene, said: "Luckily we were able to locate and extinguish the fire quickly, it is a very large building and the fire could have easily spread to the whole floor."

Once the blaze was brought under control, station officer Dave Goldsmith, who was in charge of the effort, refused to take chances and sent crews to all floors to make sure there were no fires elsewhere in the 600 square metre building.

The double whammy has prompted a public warning from fire chiefs, who are now urging owners and users of other commercial buildings to keep their premises secure and outdoor storage to a minimum.

Station officer Goldsmith said: "Both fires are being recorded as arson.

"Both the portable office and the main building had been broken into and vandalised.

"The crews worked very well in difficult conditions to stop the spread of fire to other parts of the building.

"But owners of commercial buildings, especially those that are unoccupied or under refurbishment are targets for vandals.

"Owners or occupiers are reminded to keep their premises secure, and to keep rubbish and outdoor storage to a minimum."

Police are asking for any witnesses to call 01708 779241.

<LI. Mystery fires: The old Smith and Nephew building pictured after the weekend's incidents.

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