Fire in derelict building

The cause of the fire has been recorded as deliberate. 

Update 26 June 8am 

Firefighters remained on scene overnight to extinguish the fire and monitor any hotspots. 

Crews will be revisiting the site again this morning.

A fire investigation will be carried out into the cause when it is safe to do so. 

Firefighters are currently at the scene of a fire in a derelict building which was previously used as the Southend United FC training ground. 

If you live in the nearby area, please keep your windows and doors closed as there is smoke coming from the incident. 

Crews from Southend, Rayleigh, Rochford, Leigh, Shoebury, Hawkwell and an aerial ladder platform are in attendance. 

It is a two storey building which is fully alight. 

Incident Commander Steve Osborn said: "Crews are making steady progress to extinguish the fire, which has now been surrounded and is under control. The structure of the building has collapsed. 

"Crews will be at the scene throughout the night to dampen down hotpots and make sure the area is entirely cool. If you live in the nearby area we would advise you close your windows as there is smoke coming from the scene." 

A fire investigation will be carried out into the cause when it is safe to do so.