A MAN has been left homeless after a huge fire spread from a seafood van and gutted a popular pub – damaging the roof and first floor of the building.

The roof of the Jack O’Lantern Pub in Daiglen Drive, South Ockendon, collapsed in the blaze.

Thick black smoke filled the air and large orange flames lit up the night sky as the blaze took hold of the building.

The roof was destroyed with only bare beams remaining and debris was seen surrounding the grounds and in the car park of the popular pub.

Four fire crews attended the scene including two from Grays, one from Orsett, and one from Wennington.

The firefighters were called to the fire at about 2.20am on Sunday morning and discovered a food van was on fire and the flames had spread to the neighbouring pub roof, which was 75 per cent alight.

Firefighters worked to extinguish the fire, eventually by 4am.

A man living in the property has been left homeless after the fire caused the roof to collapse and the first floor was left badly smoke damaged.

The news was met with an outpouring of sadness in the community from residents and loyal customers.

One woman said: “Have some great memories drinking in the Jack O’Lantern. Sorry to see it in this state.”

Another customer said: “I have loads of memories with that place, from running around in Jack’s Bar as a kid in the 80s, to having my stag do and leaving party there in 2008.

“I feel a bit gutted seeing it like this, but hope the man got out alright.”

One mum added: “This is just so sad, years ago it used to be a nice little pub and I used to wait outside with my friends.

“I know my parents used to go loads and would take us as kids for Sunday lunch.

“I do hope the owners can get back on their feet and get the business up and running again very soon.

“It’s a shame to see it in such a bad state.

“It’s been a pillar of the community for such a long time and it must be a blow – I hope the man who is homeless is doing okay.”

Essex Fire Service says the cause of the fire could be accidental or deliberate.