Southend: Death trap factory set ablaze again

Firefighters were called to the derelict building on Ely Road when "pretty professional" fire-starters set light to some wood and opened up a drum of diesel.

It is not the first fire at the building. Just over two weeks ago, firemen had to tackle a major blaze on both floors of the derelict factory.

This time fire crews got to the building in time before Saturday's blaze went out of control.

But firefighters have renewed their plea to parents to keep their children out of the factory because it is a "death trap".

Temporary Southend white watch station officer Howard Howell said: "Someone had burnt some wood and opened up a diesel drum.

"A large quantity of diesel was starting to burn into the building but fortunately we got there before it went any further.

"The parents have really got to look after their children because the building really is a death trap.

"It's going to catch light again because the kids that did this one were pretty professional."

Back on June 10, 11 fire engines were called to the factory when youngsters started two blazes in the building.

Crews found Ely Road swarming with children when they arrived at the factory.

Assistant divisional fire officer Martyn Hodder said he was "almost 100 per cent sure" the blaze had been sparked by youngsters.

Mr Hodder, station commander at Southend fire station, said: "It's obviously a place where children play.

"It's also obvious to us with the school holidays approaching that it will be worthwhile our crews being fully briefed about this location and the layout of the building.

"There are indications of small fires that had been started throughout the building before.

"It's a risk for children to go in somewhere like this if they fall down a hole or something, but also if a fire starts it's the worst case scenario and it then puts firefighters lives at risk."

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