FIREFIGHTERS were pelted with stones and other missiles while trying to put out a fire in Basildon.

Crews were called to Gloucester Park after reports a boathouse was on fire just before 8pm tonight. While they were trying to put out the blaze, which was lit deliberately, a group of youths threw the objects at them.

As soon as police arrived at 8pm, the group fled leaving the firefighters to get on with tackling the blaze.

It was fully extinguished by 8.30pm.