Mindless arsonists have been accused of putting lives at risk after starting a fire inside a public toilet cubicle.

Fortunately, the blaze at the toilet block in Kings Road, Halstead, did not spread and the majority of the building was undamaged.

However, the fire caused about £600 damage to one of the two unisex cubicles and has had to be closed to the public.

Deputy mayor Jackie Pell said: “Whoever has done it, whether they be child or adult, it’s very irresponsible.

“They could have put lives at risk for a start. It’s right besides an electrical sub station and you’ve got the petrol station across the road as well.

“It could easily have got out of hand and been really serious.”

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