A derelict building has been completely destroyed by fire.

Firefighters were called to extinguish the blaze, which happened near an empty pub in William Street in Grays.

Crews from Grays, Corringham, Orsett and Southend battled the fire, which started around 6.45pm yesterday (Thursday, March 18), for several hours before putting it out by 9pm.

The building, which was around 5m by 15m in size, was said to be completely alight at one.

Incident commander Gary Bannister said: "Crews worked really hard to protect surrounding buildings and stop the fire spreading.

“We have handed the site over to the care of the local authority."

An investigation into the cause of the fire was launched this morning.