A huge fire has broken out in a derelict former hospital.

Seven fire engines, including crews from Leigh, Hawkwell, Rochford, Southend and Chelmsford, attended the hospital, in Ness Road, Shoebury.

Witness Sarah Clarke said: “We were driving home from work and as we came round the bend we could see dense smoke and an ambulance pulled into the old hospital in Ness Road.

“We parked up and walked to have a look. There was dense acrid smoke coming out the roof and we could just see flames coming out the top. The first fire engine arrived and within a couple of minutes the flames were spreading.

“A second fire engine arrived and a police car was driving past and stopped and spoke to the fire service and they then closed the road in both directions and ushered the public away as said there was still gas connected.

“Shortly after another two fire engines arrived, we heard them comment the water pressure wasn’t enough. We then left scene as were ushered further away.”

Other witnesses described having to close their windows due to the strong smell of the smoke.

Some people described seeing a group of youngsters hanging around before the fire, but it has not been confirmed how it started.

The fire service was able to get the fire, which started at 4.30pm, under control by 6pm.

The site has been left empty since the NHS decided it was surplus to requirements in 2008. A planning application was submitted in June to demolish the building and replace it with ten houses.