RESIDENTS are demanding improved security at the Shoebury Garrison site after suspected arsonists caused a massive blaze at the building.

Thebuilding has been left a smoking, charred shell, following the fire, tackled by more than 40 firefighters.

Police have urged residents to come forward with any information about three men seen running away from the blaze, just after it started.

Officers said the white men, in their late teens or early 20s, were headed towards Gunners Park.

The blaze broke out at about 5.30pm on Tuesday, in the former living quarters at the west end of the building, but quickly spread to the first floor and roof.

Laurie Gaymer, secretary of Shoebury Village Residents’ Association, believes security should have been in place, particularly after a serious fire at the officers’ mess in June last year.

Mr Gaymer said: “The security should be far better.

“There are problems with security in several places in Shoebury, but particularly there. I would be sad to see it demolished, as it is such an historic building and a part of our heritage.”

No one from Gladedale, the property company which owns the Garrison was able to comment about the future of the building, what the plans were or why there was not better security in place.

A spokeswoman for the company said: “We won’t know anything more until further investigations are carried out.”

* Anyone who has any information about the fire is asked to contact Southend CID on 0300 3334444.