It was business as usual for a popular pub yesterday after a suspected arson attack ruined one of its toilets.

Southend firefighters were called to the Last Post pub in Weston Road, Southend, at around 6.30pm on Wednesday after somebody set fire to one of the toilet roll holders in the men's lavatories.

The blaze ruined the cubicle, four urinals and three sinks.

Drinkers at the JD Wetherspoon pub had to be evacuated from the small bar as firefighters tackled the flames.

Pub manager Neil Fanderson said: "The fire caused £3,000 of damage. We had to close the toilet and the rest of the small bar last night.

"We think it was arson as somebody had stuffed toilet roll up the dispenser and then set fire to it.

"It's lucky that a member of staff checks the toilets every half an hour."

Southend firefighter Howard Howell said: "Half of the pub had to be evacuated and it was quite tricky as the toilet roll holder was plastic. We believe it was started deliberately and the matter is in the hands of the police."

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