Essex tattoo parlour fires believed to be arson

Following two separate fires at tattoo parlours in the Essex town of Stanford-le-Hope this morning (Monday 17th January), police and fire services in the area now suspect arson as the cause.

The first fire started at around five past midnight, at The Original Body Works Tattoo Studio, located on Corringham Road. Fire crews were called to the scene after a neighbour spotted the flames and rang the emergency services.

The blaze was reportedly extinguished by a quick-thinking local resident, although the fire service was quick to point out that situations like this should not be tackled by people without the proper fire training. Overall, the incident caused the parlour owners £150 worth of damage to the front door of the shop.

The second fire in Stanford-le-Hope took place just fifteen minutes later at Tilbury Tattoo and Body Piercing Studio in Dock Approach Road. A resident living above the tattoo parlour was in danger due to the fire but she managed to escape safely.

Due to the presence of inflammable liquids present at both premises, police and fire crews are suspecting arson in both cases. The possibility that the fires are linked has reportedly not been ruled out.