Arsonists blamed for old Odeon fire in Colchester

Crews from three fire stations were called to the former Odeon cinema, in Crouch Street, Colchester, shortly after 7pm yesterday.

It took around an hour and a half to extinguish the fire, and firefighters remained on scene late into the evening to check for hotspots.

Following an investigation, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed crews believe the fire, which affected around a quarter of the building, was started deliberately.

Scene - the former Odeon site in Crouch Street, Colchester (Image: Newsquest)

A spokesman for the fire service said: "Firefighters were called to a deliberate fire in a derelict building in Crouch Street, Colchester, last night.

"On arrival, crews reported that there was a fire inside a derelict building.

"Crews from Colchester used an aerial ladder platform with colleagues from Weeley and West Mersea tackling the fire from inside the building.”

The historic building has remained empty for more than two decades and has previously fallen victim to similar incidents, most recently in 2017 and 2018.

Fire crew - Colchester's aerial ladder platform tackled the fire from outside (Image: Public)

Essex Police confirmed officers are aware of the incident and urged anyone with information to come forward.

A force spokeswoman said: "We were called to a fire in Crouch Street, Colchester, at around 7.15pm on Wednesday, July 19.

"If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.”

Colchester councillor Steph Nissen, who represents residents in the city centre, thanked firefighters for their efforts.

Condemning - Castle ward councillor Steph Nissen (Image: Newsquest)

She said: “The old Odeon has a lot of nostalgic love for people who grew up in Colchester and it’s been sitting empty for too long.

“Arson is never ok. Wildfires are raging across the world and people are being selfish by starting fires in our city centre.

“It’s high time the site is restored to a thriving building, whether it be residential or another venue. It needs to be done now.

“It looks ugly, unloved, and uncared for, and I think that’s why it gets targeted.”

Reports can be made at essex.police.uk/digital101 or by calling 101 quoting incident 1270 of July 19. Anonymous reports can be made at crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.