Parts of one of the main roads in and out of Southend could remain closed for up to two months.

Police revealed that one of the north-bound lanes on Victoria Avenue could be closed for eight weeks after an inferno gutted two derelict buildings on Thursday night.

At first, the charred wreckage was set for demolition but the buildings cannot be pulled down as they are in a conservation area.

The structures are so unstable that traffic rushing past could cause them to collapse.

Young arsonists are being blamed for the blaze, which broke out at around 5.10pm, in the flat above Yasin, a former tandoori restaurant.

Insp Martin Pinkney, of Southend police, said: "I believe the lane has been closed because there are fears the buildings are unstable and traffic might cause them to collapse."

Steve Driscoll, Southend Council's building services operator, said he hoped the wreckage could be rebuilt.

He said: "The building is in a conservation area and is council property. It is our intention that it will form some part of a rejuvenated development in this area.

"We will be considering what further use will be made of the building. The indication is that the building will be retained, as particularly the front sections are of architectural merit.

"It is definitely not going to be demolished in the near future although it will be for members to decide its long-term future."

By Isabel Gompertz

Reporter's e-mail: isabel.gompertz@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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