Public toilets at Holland Haven Country Park have been forced to close after a suspected arson attack caused serious damage.

Tendring District Council (TDC), which owns the toilets, is assessing the damage after firefighters were called shortly before 7.10pm on Sunday (26 July) to reports of approximately one hectare of grassland on fire in the Manor Way area of Holland-on-Sea.

The incident was reported to Essex County Fire and Rescue Service as deliberate.

The fire caused significant damage to the toilets, including roof damage and internal damage to the ceiling and walls.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service brought the fire under control before it spread further, including towards the nearby sailing club.

The toilet block will remain closed while officers arrange a full assessment and repair works.

Councillor Peter Kotz, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Assets, said: “This is a deeply frustrating and completely needless incident which has taken a valued public facility out of use.

“If this fire was started deliberately, it is a mindless act that has left residents and visitors without toilets at one of our popular open spaces.

“What makes it even more frustrating is that taxpayers’ money will now have to be spent putting this damage right — money that should be used to maintain and improve services for the community, not repair the consequences of suspected arson.

“I am grateful to the fire service for its swift response, which helped stop the fire from spreading further, and I would urge anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area on Sunday evening to report it to Essex Police.”

The full cost of repairs is still being assessed.

Witnesses, or anyone with information about the incident, are encouraged to report criminal damage directly to Essex Police.