Arson attack destroys golf club

A fire that destroyed a golf club building in Essex is believed to have been started deliberately.

About 40 firefighters tackled the early morning blaze at Ballards Gore Golf and Country Club at Stambridge near Rochford.

They managed to rescue fully laid tables that were set out for a function in the club's banqueting suite.

Water had to be brought to the site as firefighters spent several hours bringing the flames under control.

A joint police and fire service investigation into the cause of the incident will be carried out.

Parts of the building are now unsafe and are cordoned off. A structural engineer has been asked to attend.

Earlier, police had been on site to deal with a separate incident.

The banqueting suite was laid up for a function and firefighters picked up the tables wholesale complete with place settings and glasses Martyn Hodder, station commander

Southend station commander Martyn Hodder, the officer in charge, praised crews.

"Although 75% of the building was destroyed, we were able to save the banqueting suite and kitchens.

"The banqueting suite was laid up for a function and firefighters picked up the tables wholesale complete with place settings and glasses to get them out of the fire.

"Once we had established the area was safe, they brought out DJ equipment and about 10 crystal chandeliers which they had to take down from the ceilings.

"The banqueting hall had a concrete floor above it to support the weight of snooker tables, so we were able to work in that part of the building without risking anyone's safety.

"We had initial problems with water supply, but firefighters went out into the grounds with torches to locate a lake which was used to support operations and maintain steady supply."