POLICE are appealing for information after an arson attack at an art gallery caused £124,000 of damage in Westcliff.

A joint police and fire brigade investigation was carried out following a fire at the Tap Gallery in North Road at 4am on Sunday May 13.

The lifetime works of Chris and Gwen Lang were to go on display at the gallery.

Sadly their son, Joe Lang, of The Crescent, Hadleigh, was left to pick over the remains of his late parents’ paintings and sculptures after the blaze in a van outside the building.

A painting called Ol’ Blue Eyes, and a sculpture by Chris were completely destroyed.

The fire caused £115,000 damage to former Essex and Suffolk Water offices. A £9,000 transit van belonging to Essex and Suffolk was also destroyed in the blaze.

Investigating officer DC Matt Halls said: "Investigations have shown that there was no suggestion of theft being the reason for this incident.

"It was arson and carried out by someone intent on causing serious damage to the van and the community unit where an art exhibition was being held.

"We want to hear from any witnesses who saw anything suspicious near the yard at around 4am or from anyone who might have information about the person or people who started this fire.”

Anyone who can help should contact DC Halls at Southend Area Investigation Team on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.