A police investigation is under way after a large fire severely damaged a disused school in South Ockendon last night.
People were evacuated from their homes after the blaze erupted at around 10.30pm at the two-storey building in Daiglen Drive.
Darrent Lane remains shut to traffic at the junctions with Daiglen Avenue and Derry Avenue while crews continue to work at the scene.
Police would like to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious around the area of the Dilkeswood Centre.
Anybody with any information about the fire should contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
