THE leader of Brentwood Council has thanked the fire crews that helped battle a blaze that destroyed Warley Scout Hut.

The blaze on Tuesday night took six fire units and over two hours to bring under control.

Police and the fire service will now carry out a joint investigation into how the blaze started which they believe was arson.

The hut in Eagle Way is owned by Brentwood Council and is leased by the 1st Warley Scouts.

Councillor Louise McKinlay said: "There was a tremendous effort by the emergency services to tackle the blaze overnight and ensure it did not spread further in the scout hut or to the nearby council depot building.

“Essex County Fire and Rescue Service did a great job in preventing the situation from worsening, and for this we are grateful.

“We have spoken to the scout group and are looking at the suitability of potential buildings they can move to as soon as possible.

“The council is currently checking the building's insurance and we are working with the fire service to investigate the fire and its causes."

Assistant Divisional Officer Craig McCellan, from the fire service, said: "When the crews arrived at the incident the fire was well developed in the roof of a scout hut. Firefighters moved 25 LPG Cylinders away from the back of the hut so they would not become involved in the fire.

"The crews worked hard tackling the blaze and did prevent the fire from spreading to the council depot next door.

"Unfortunately the scout hut has been completely destroyed by the fire, however crews did manage to save a 100 year old scout flag from the fire, which has great sentimental value to the Scout Association."

A police spokeswoman added: “The fire service contacted police at about 6pm on Tuesday, August 25 with reports of a fire at a scout hut in Eagle Way, Great Warley.

“The building was badly damaged and the fire is believed to have been started deliberately.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police at Brentwood on 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111