Quickly exit this site by pressing the Escape key Leave this site
We use some essential cookies to make our website work. We’d like to set additional cookies so we can remember your preferences and understand how you use our site.
You can manage your preferences and cookie settings at any time by clicking on “Customise Cookies” below. For more information on how we use cookies, please see our Cookies notice.
Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.
Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.
Sorry, there was a technical problem. Please try again.
This site is a beta, which means it's a work in progress and we'll be adding more to it over the next few weeks. Your feedback helps us make things better, so please let us know what you think.
A man was swiftly arrested and charges have been secured after multiple emergency services responded to an incident in Tilbury.
Officers responded shortly after 5pm on Thursday 23 January, when we received reports of a man pouring petrol inside an address in Gaylor Road.
It was reported a threat was made to set fire to the property.
Members of the public intervened and our officers were on the scene within minutes, making an arrest.
Thankfully, no injuries were suffered.
The road was closed and a number of nearby properties evacuated as a precaution while we worked to make the scene safe.
Charges have since been secured against Daniel Ionescu, 42, of Gaynor Road, Tilbury.
He is charged with attempted arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered and is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court this morning.
Detective Chief Inspector Alan Blakesley said:
“I am aware this serious incident attracted a significant policing response and precautions had to be taken to be sure the scene was made safe.
“I would like to reassure the community that we responded quickly, mitigating further risk and ensuring an arrest was made.
“While there was some disruption, it was right to take the necessary steps to ensure no harm came to residents in this area.
“Anyone with any concerns or information which they feel could help our investigation is urged to reach out to us.”
Anyone with information should contact us as soon as possible.
You can let us know by submitting a report online or by using our Live Chat service.
Our Live Chat service is available on our website 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can send and receive real-time messages with an online operator.
To use the service, select the ‘Live Chat’ icon at the bottom right of your screen when you're on our website.
Or you can call us on 101.
Visit our 'Help Us Help You' page to find out more about different ways of reporting.