AN arson attack on an art gallery has caused £115,000 worth of damage, police have revealed.

The blaze at the Tap Gallery in North Road, Westcliff destroyed a painting and sculpture by the late Chris Lang, whose lifetime work was on display when the fire broke.

Flames and smoke spread from a van on fire outside the gallery at about 4am on Sunday, May 13.

A joint police and fire investigation revealed the fire was started deliberately and destroyed the £9,000 Transit van, belonging to a water board contractor.

Anyone with information about the fire should call DC Matt Halls at Southend Area Investigation Team on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.