FIREFIGHTERS have tackled a fire at a library in Southend after a "toilet roll was ignited and thrown through a smashed window". 

Essex Fire say they were called to a library in Lifstan Way, Southend, after reports of a fire last night at around 9:19pm.

The services say visitors of a nearby pub had first noticed flames in the library and called 999. 

While they waited for crews to arrive they filled large containers with water and poured it through a smashed window of the building. 

On arrival firefighters quickly to extinguished the final remains of the fire, ventilated the building and made sure it was safe.  

Although Essex Fire are yet to name the library, it is reportedly Southchurch Library, in Lifstan Way. 

Essex Fire believe that someone may have smashed a window before setting a toilet roll alight and throwing it into the library. 

Ben Manning, watch manager at Southend Fire Station, said: "It looks as though someone had smashed the window and set light to a toilet roll, which had then set light to a shelf of books. 

"Thankfully the fire didn't spread any further but unfortunately the building has been left with some water and smoke damage as well as the broken window."