The fire service has been called to a fire in a derelict pub for the second time in two days.

Passersby described seeing smoke coming from the roof of The Esplanade Pub, in Southend, at about 7pm.

When firefighters from Southend, Leigh and Rochford arrived at the property they reported the building was full of smoke.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the building to check no one was inside and managed to extinguish the fire by 9pm.

An investigation will be carried out to establish the cause of the fire.

Echo: