FIRE bosses have said they have reason to believe a recent fire which burnt down a seafront fast-food restaurant was started deliberately.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service were called last night at 2.30am to the Marine Parade Wimpy restaurant.
They arrived to find the building completely in flames but put it out by 4.30am.
An investigation is taking place today into the cause of the blaze but Essex Fire have now confirmed its crews left at around 7.30am.
Essex Fire are working alongside Essex Police but have now confirmed evidence suggest the fire was deliberate.
Essex Police are now appealing for witnesses.
READ MORE - PICTURES: Fire sweeps through Wimpy on Southend seafront
READ MORE - Southend: Witness appeal after seafront Wimpy burns down
London Fire Brigade are also on the scene with their specialist Fire Dog, Simba.
Concerns have also been raised about the safety of the building with Fire Investigation Officer, Nick Singleton saying it is structually weak in some places.
He said: "Crews worked really well to minimise damage to neighbouring buildings and prevent the fire from spreading.
“There may be some disruption in the area as parts of the building have been declared unsafe.
"Please bear with us as we work to make the area safe."
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