Arson arrest after fire ravages Grade II listed pub goes up in flames

| Live News reporter Published September 24, 2026 3:40pm Updated September 24, 2026 4:04pm To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a Grade II listed pub was severely damaged by fire. Fire crews were called to The World’s End pub on Fort Road in Tilbury, Essex, at around 3.30pm on Wednesday. The blaze was brought under control by around 6.30pm, but firefighters remained at the scene throughout the evening checking for hotspots and making sure the area was safe. Essex Police said a man in his 20s had been arrested on suspicion of arson. He ‘remains in custody for questioning and our investigation continues’, the force said. Sign up for all of the latest stories Start your day informed with Metro's News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens. Police were called to the pub shortly after 4.40pm. Fire crews were called to The World’s End pub on Fort Road in Tilbury (Picture: Essex skyshots-Danny) Firefighters remained at the scene throughout the evening (Picture: Essex skyshots-Danny) The Grade II listed pub was severely damaged by fire (Picture: Essex skyshots-Danny) Officers are now appealing for anyone with information or footage of the fire to come forward. The cause of the blaze will be investigated once the site has been made safe, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said. The historic pub has been closed for around three months. The World’s End has been Grade II listed by Historic England since 1974. Arrow MORE: Man, 25, died after accidentally overdosing on caffeine, inquest rules Arrow MORE: ‘Explosions’ heard across London after community garden in Hackney is ravaged by fire Arrow MORE: Flowers laid outside home where woman and three children died in a fire News Updates Stay on top of the headlines with daily email updates.