Firefighters have tackled a “deliberate” blaze at a former pub in south Essex. 

Crews were called to Daiglen Drive, in South Ockendon, today at 1.20am and two crews from Grays initially attended. 

They found a boarded-up two-storey pub, measuring approximately 20 by 30 metres, was about 60 per cent alight.

A further two crews, from Orsett and Corringham, and an aerial ladder platform, from Southend, were requested.

Watch manager Gary Bannister said: "Crews fought the fire from the outside, due to the condition of the building and the fact there was no risk to other properties.

"When the fire was out and it was safe to enter, firefighters entered the building to extinguish hotspots. 

"Crews have worked hard to bring the incident to a safe conclusion and a relief crew will be at the scene into the early of hours of the morning." 

The fire was extinguished by 3.20pm.

Essex Fire has confirmed that the cause has been recorded as deliberate.