THE roof and part of the first floor of a popular pub in Brentwood was destroyed by fire earlier today.

More than 30 firefighters were called to the Horse and Groom public house just after noon. 

Crews needed eight main jets in the end to tackle the fierce fire at the pub which is currently being revamped.

It took firefighters more than two hours to get the blaze completely under control. 

Incident Commander, assistant divisional officer Sean Doulton said: "The pub is under conversion and builders had been working on site.

"The fire had broken out in the roof and spread to the first floor of the building. 

"The first class work carried out by the crews contained the fire to the pub and prevented it from spreading to the semi-detached house adjoining the pub.

"The residents of this property can stay in their own home tonight thanks to the crews hard work."

The fire was started accidentally by building work being carried out there.