AN ARSON attack has been carried out on a car wash in Queensway, Southend.

Police were contacted by the owner of the Southend Premiere Hand Car Wash at 8am today, after it was discovered the office had been set alight overnight.

Fire appliances from Southend fire station attended to ensure the fire was out and a police scene of crime officer examined the premises for evidence.

It is not yet clear whether an accelerant was used in the attack, but it is thought the arsonist used a brick to break a window at the premises before starting a fire inside the office.

Police are studying CCTV from the premises and surrounding roads in an attempt to pinpoint the time of the attack and identify the perpetrator.

Car wash owner Ferat Bala, 42, said the premises would reopen for business as soon as possible today.