A pub has been severely damaged following a fire in the early hours of this morning. 

Six fire crews descended on Main Road, Hockley, after receiving multiple reports of a large fire at The Bull Inn. 

An investigation is now under way into the cause of the blaze, which destroyed the pub's roof.

The Bull Inn in Hockley is a Grade II listed country pub and parts of its historic timber frame date back to the 16th century.

The fire is believed to have started at 1.15am this morning, and the incident commander reported the blaze was under control at 4.20am. 

Residents neighbouring the pub served up tea and coffee to firefighters who battled through intense heat to tackle the flames.

At 9.30am today, firefighters declared the fire fully out and crews left the scene. 

They added the roof area of the pub had been completely destroyed.

A full investigation into the cause of the fire has begun.

Echo: