Pub-goers see 'light' - and save burning library

The library suffered water and smoke damage

Pub-goers helped save a library from serious damage when they leapt into action after spotting a fire.

At about 21:00 BST on Tuesday, drinkers at a table in The Old Walnut Tree, Southend-on-Sea, noticed a 'light' inside Southchurch Library.

They realised it was on fire. With the help of pub staff they filled "large containers" with water, dashed over, and poured it through a broken window.

Pub manager Dean Harris-Eckett said: "It’s exactly what we do as a community pub. We go above and beyond for everybody around us."

The fire service says the blaze started when a window was smashed and a toilet roll was set alight

"As they looked out they could see a light from the library," he told the BBC.

"Had they not done it I fear it could’ve been a lot worse. I'm really proud of my team," Mr Harris-Eckett added.

Damaged books were left piled up outside the library after the fire

When firefighters got to the library in Lifstan Way, they put out what was left of the fire and made sure the building was safe.

"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," said Southend fire station watch manager Ben Manning.

He said the library suffered water and smoke damage.

Essex Police has been contacted for comment.