Arson probe over Southend training ground blaze

An aerial ladder platform was brought in to tackle the blaze

An investigation into a fire at Southend United's former training centre has found it was started deliberately.

Crews from six fire stations tackled a blaze at the Boots and Laces ground.

Essex Fire and Rescue Service said it broke out at about 22:30 BST on Wednesday.

A two-storey building at the site on Eastern Avenue collapsed.

The blaze was dampened down early on Thursday and crews have since left the scene. An investigation has now started.

The derelict two-storey building on the site, which the Blues vacated last year, was described as being "fully alight" by the fire service.

Crews from Southend were joined by colleagues from Rayleigh Weir, Rochford, Hawkwell, Leigh and Shoeburyness.

Eastern Avenue was closed for a time overnight.

Crews from six fire stations were called to the scene