Police are appealing for information after the external air vent of a property was set alight.

The ground floor vent of the property in Argent Street, Grays, was set alight sometime between midnight and 2.15am on Monday, March 23.

It caused extensive damage to the building internally and externally, and police are treating it as arson.

The two occupants of the property were not hurt.

At 3.10am the same day, there were reports that a wheeled bin had been set alight in Wharf Road.

It is believed the two incidents are linked.

A joint Police and Fire Service investigation will be carried out to establish the causes.

Anyone with information is asked to call Dc Steve Cunningham at Grays CID on 101, or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org