FIREFIGHTERS spent more than five hours tackling a blaze in derelict South Ockendon building.

Engines from Grays, Orsett and Basildon were first called to the incident in Mollands Lane shortly after 1am on Sunday.

Officers were able to extinguish the flames by 6.35am but remained at the scene to ensure the area was safe.

They reported that the building was 100 percent alight.

The cause of the fire is not yet known and a joint police and fire service investigation has now been launched.

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