Squatters have been spotted in Frankie and Benny’s restaurant in Southend, it is claimed.

Members of the public told the Echo they had seen a group of people breaking into the recently-closed restaurant in Southchurch Road, on Thursday afternoon.

In September, the Restaurant Group announced they would be selling nine sites including the Southend branch and the restaurant closed down and has been vacant since.

One man, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “I saw them breaking in and when I challenged them they said there was nothing anybody could do because it was an empty building.

“They had put a sign on the window but I couldn’t make out what it said. I told the new safety officers from the council and they said this was the first time they had been aware. It’s just not right because it’s perfectly usable restaurant space inside and god knows what will happen to it if it becomes a squat. Nobody will want to buy it and it will lie empty for years.”

Other residents who have seen the squatters inside have said the restaurant “already looks a mess inside” and suggested it may be the homeless community moved from the High Street.

Devon Holcombe, from Hockley, told the Echo: “The homeless are constantly being told to move when sitting in the High Street - this is no surprise.”

James Courtenay, councillor for growth, said while we cannot assume the squatters are homeless, there are measures in place to tackle the problem.

He added: “The council’s draft housing, homeless and rough sleeper strategy looks at a number of key issues such as developing new homes, reducing empty homes, preventing and eradicating homelessness and taking a proactive approach to meeting housing targets. We also work closely with other agencies and charities to assist those without a home, to find suitable accommodation.

“We hope the owner takes the appropriate action to remove the squatters and secure the property.”

A spokesperson at The Restaurant Group said: “We hold the lease of the site and have contacted the police.”