ESSEX Fire has provided an update as former Reids Bar is destroyed after a huge fire. 

Firefighters were called to Laindon Road, in Billericay at around 6:30am this morning following reports of a large fire. 

Eight crews have been on the scene for almost four hours now tackling the blaze. 

Crews have now surrounded the fire and are working to extinguish it in sections. 

A spokesman added: "Firefighters are using two Aerial Ladder Platforms to extinguish the fire in the roof space. 

"The scene is still producing lots of smoke so please continue to keep your windows and doors shut if you live nearby."

Reid’s Bar and Grill, in Billericay, has been closed for years following the devastating fire ripped through the roof of the building in 2022. 

Just weeks ago, Basildon Council approved plans to convert the former Reids Bar into flats.

The 32 flats are set to comprise of eight one-bed flats, and 24 two-bed flats – split over two separate blocks.

The bar has been in the town for 30 years and has previously been known as Quilters and the Ivory Rooms.