Wetherspoon vandalised within 24 hours of opening

The Wetherspoon pub was opened as part of a wider revamp of Basildon town centre

A new Wetherspoon pub has been vandalised within 24 hours of it opening.

The venue - called Sigered, King of Essex - served its first customers in East Walk in Basildon on Tuesday morning.

But ten of its windows were smashed overnight.

"It's really sad to see pathetic morons vandalising a new business that's helping deliver local jobs," said the Conservative MP for Basildon and Billericay, Richard Holden, who cut the red tape at the pub unveiling.

"I hope those responsible are quickly caught and prosecuted to the full extent of the law."

The pub is named after Sigered, the last king of Essex, who reigned between 798 and 825 AD

The pub chain said thousands of people were at what was an "outstanding" first day.

"We will work closely with the police on this matter," said a JD Wetherspoon spokesperson.

Essex Police confirmed it was investigating an incident of criminal damage.

Jessica Power, the Labour cabinet member for regeneration, jobs and skills at Basildon Council, said: "It's really disappointing to hear that obviously the minority has decided to ruin it for the majority."

JD Wetherspoon used to run a venue in the town - called The Moon on the Square - but it closed in late 2022.

East Square in Basildon is being redeveloped at a cost estimated at more than £26m, with plans for new restaurants and a 10-screen cinema.