A historic landmark pub in Shoebury has been gutted by fire.
The ground floor of the Shoeburyness Hotel was completely destroyed by the blaze which took hold in the kitchen around 3pm yesterday.
The pub, popular with servicemen when the old garrison was open, is a locally listed building.
Nearly 20 drinkers and staff had to be evacuated while firefighters from Shoebury, Hadleigh and Southend tackled the fire.
Ian Lighton, sub officer at Shoebury fire station, said: "It was a very serious fire when we turned up."
A faulty tumble dryer or washing machine is is believed to have started the fire. The Victorian building's other two storeys were badly smoke damaged.
Published Thursday July 8, 2004
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