A fire that destroyed the roof of a derelict pub in Dagenham is under investigation by police.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed today (March 21) that they will be investigating the cause of a fire at the Ship & Anchor yesterday (March 20), with the help of the London Fire Brigade. 

This paper asked the Met if the fire is being investigated as a suspected arson, but were told "it's too early to say". 

The pub is believed to have been empty since 2010 but went up in flames at 12.52am on March 20.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Some of the damage done to the roofSome of the damage done to the roof (Image: George McCloud)RELATED: Wood Lane, Dagenham pub fire: Resident recalls evacuation

The fire was brought under control by 3.13am after 40 firefighters from across five different stations were dispatched to the scene. 

There were no reports of any injuries and police previously said no-one was inside at the time of the blaze.