THE World's End pub in Tilbury will be little than a gutted shell when firefighters finally douse the flames that have ripped through it this afternoon.

The alarm was raised around 3pm today (Wednesday, 23 September) and despite the best efforts of fire crews, hampered by a lack of water supply, the building became engulfed in flames.

Over recent days a number of small fires have been set around the historic, listed building by arsonists.

As flames burst through the roof of the main building an aerial platform ladder was deployed.

There were several explosions from a store and kitchen st the back of the premises and at one point a canister flew more than 100 feet in the air after it caught light and exploded, highlighting some of the danger faced by firefighters.

More to follow.

Watch the dramatic fire in our live report from the Thames: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CAju1djbG/?mibextid=wwXIfr