FIREFIGHTERS tackled a blaze at a popular sports centre which they believe was started deliberately.

Firefighters were called to Loughton Leisure Centre in Rectory Road shortly before 4.30pm yesterday (April 19) and found a disused building was on fire and filled with smoke.

Crews in two engines from nearby Loughton station wore breathing apparatus as they used a hose to tackle the blaze, which was extinguished by 5pm.

Officers then used high-powered fans to clear the building of smoke.

An Essex Fire Service spokeswoman said officers who fought the fire believe it was started deliberately but Essex Police have no record of the incident being reported.

More to follow.