Essex man who set cars on fire found guilty of arson

Mohammed Azizi was convicted on Thursday June 3 following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court..

Police say Azizi set fires at Spanners Garage in Sedge Green on July 1 last year and to a Volkswagen Polo parked in Bradley Road, Waltham Abbey six weeks later.

The fire at the garage near Dobbs Weir burnt several vehicles and a building causing £250,000 worth of damage. Through their investigation, Essex police officers were able to identify DNA evidence which established Azizi was at the scene.

Another photo from the fire at Spanners Garage. Credit: Essex Police

On August, Azizi, 30, of Bradley Road, Waltham Abbey, was caught on CCTV setting a fire underneath a Volkswagen which was parked next to a residential address.

Later that month, he was charged with arson offences.

In court, the defendant denied arson, arson with recklessness as to whether life would be endangered, and malicious communications.

Following a trial, Azizi was found guilty of the arson offences but was found not guilty of malicious communications.

He is due to be sentenced on August 13.

Spanners Garage. Credit: Google Maps

Detective Inspector Kate Murray, from Loughton CID, said: "Mohammed Azizi caused hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of damage and put lives at risk.

"His actions were premeditated and reckless and he clearly poses a significant danger to the public.

"I know these incidents caused significant concern within the community and I’m glad we’ve been able to bring Azizi to justice.

"He now faces time behind bars and our communities will be a safer place as a result."