EMERGENCY services were called to Southend Pier after a blaze broke out this evening. 

Southend firefighters are at the shore-end of the pier after a fire broke out on the walkway. 

Three fire engines were seen on the road outside the main entrance to the pier. 

They were called just before 5pm and they sent four fire engines which is the pre-determined response for any reported fire on the pier. Crews used a backpack containing water to put out a small fire. 

They had left the scene by 5.30pm. 

The last time a fire broke out was in October 2005. 

Earlier this month, the Echo reported Southend pier could be opened for longer after boasting its best visitor numbers since it was ravaged by fire in 2005.

About 294,000 visitors have trodden the boards on the longest pleasure pier in the world this year – the highest figure since the fire hit nine years ago.