FIREFIGHTERS tackled a blaze at the rear of a derelict Grays pub this evening.

Crews were called to a fire in a derelict storage building at the back of the Bricklayer's Arms on William Street just before 7pm (Thursday, 18 March).

On arrival firefighters from Grays, Orsett and Corringham plus a crew manning an aerial platform ladder from Southend reported that the building, which measures around 5m x 15m, was completely alight.

At 9pm the incident commander, watch manager Gary Bannister from Grays Fire Station, said:

"Crews worked really hard to protect surrounding buildings and stop the fire spreading. The fire is now out and we'll hand the site over to the care of the local authority."

The building has been completely destroyed.

On Thursday evening the fire service said an investigation intot he cause of the fire would be held, On Friday they said: "Fire Officers have carried out an investigation into the cause of the fire and recorded it as undetermined."