Fire at Southend United's former training ground

An aerial ladder platform was brought in to tackle the blaze

Crews from six fire stations have tackled a blaze at Southend United's former training ground.

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

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

The blaze was dampened down early on Thursday and crews have since left the scene. An investigation was due to begin.

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.

Advice to people living nearby to keep their doors and windows closed has since been lifted.

Crews from six fire stations were called to the scene