VANDALS are thought to have deliberately started a fire at West Tilbury Village hall.

Fire crews from Orsett and Grays were called to tackle the blaze that was spotted just after midnight.

They reported it appeared that that someone had gained entry to the community hall and vandalised it, before starting a small fire. The Gas Board had to be called to deal with a gas leak from a broken pipe.

It took crews 20 minutes to douse the flames.

An investigation into the cause of the fire was due to begin this morning (Sunday).