FIREFIGHTERS were called to reports of a fire in a large derelict building in Canvey on Saturday night.

Crews were called at around 11.40pm to Lionel Road where they confirmed a two storey building was 10 per cent alight and 30 per cent smoke logged.

The large building is approximately 25 metres by 15 metres in size.

At 12.10am, the officer in charge advised that the incident had been divided into sectors as part of efforts to surround the fire.

There were seven fire crews in attendance - one from Canvey, two from Basildon, one from Rayleigh Weir, one from Leigh, one from Orsett and one from Hawkwell.

At 1am, the officer in charge confirmed that the incident had been divided into sectors and that the incident was surrounded.

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Good progress had been made has firefighters continued to eliminate fire hotspots inside the building.

While the fire was under control, crews were expected to remain at the scene well into the early hours of this morning.

Incident commander Russ Freeman said: "Firefighters have done an excellent job of getting on top of this fire so quickly.

"Their efficiency and professionalism has made sure that it didn't develop any further and become more serious - particularly in such a complex and large building.

"The fire is now under control, but we expect to remain here at the scene well into the daylight hours of Sunday morning - so if you do live or work nearby, please avoid the area. Thank you for your co-operation and support."

A full investigation into the cause of the fire will take place later today, once the fire is fully extinguished.