A FIRE threatened to spread to a pub when an outbuilding containing oil and gas cylinders went up in flames in the early hours of this morning.

Firefighters were called to the Freemasons Arms in Sydney Street, Brightlingsea, just after 1.20am today.

Crews from Clacton, Brightlingsea and Wivenhoe went to the scene.

The fire service said an outbuilding measuring about 5m by 5m at the rear of a public house was in flames.

A spokesman said: "When crews arrived at the property they reported that the building, which contained oil and a gas cylinders, was completely alight and the fire had started to affect the main pub building."

Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze by 2.45am.

An investigation will be carried out to establish the cause.

The Gazette was unable to contact the Freemasons Arms this morning.