ARSONISTS caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to a community landmark, it has been revealed.

Police have appealed for information following a fire at the Iron Age Roundhouse, in Hadleigh Country Park, in Chapel Lane, Hadleigh at 5.30pm on June 13.

The roof of the replica iron-age round house was set on fire deliberately.

PC Stuart Rawlings said: “This is a senseless crime where significant damage has been caused.

“This type of damage not only affects the owner but that of the wider community who want to spend any time at the centre.

“There is no excuse for this damage and I urge anyone with any information to contact me as soon as possible.”

Six fire crews from Rayleigh Weir, Leigh, Southend and Basildon were scrambled to put out the blaze in the thatched roof.

Firefighters cut sections of the roof away to ensure no hotspots were left. The fire was extinguished by 8.15pm, with the roof suffering severe damage.

The building is a reconstruction of a chieftain’s house from the late Iron Age, which started around 750 BC.

Community and educational events are held at the roundhouse and they have had to be moved elsewhere while the damage is assessed.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Rawlings on 101 quoting crime reference number 42/83892/17 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.