A FORMER college which could be demolished and turned into houses was targeted by vandals who sparked a large grass fire.

Youngsters were spotted on the roof the former Castle Point and Rochford Community College, in Rocheway, Rochford, shortly before the blaze was discovered in its grounds.

Firefighters from Rochford, Shoebury, Hawkwell and Basildon were called to the site at about 6.30pm on Tuesday following reports of black smoke coming from the middle of the building.

After using ladders to get onto the roof, they discovered the fire was coming from an enclosed area of grass in a courtyard. The vandals had also ripped tiles and a metal chimney off the roof and dumped them on the ground.

Firefighters spent 45 minutes battling the flames.

They managed to extinguish the blaze before it spread and caused any damage to the building.

The incident has been recorded as arson.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We were contacted just after 6.30pm with reports of young people on the roof of the Castle Point and Rochford Community College.

“Tiles and a metal chimney were thrown on the ground. The fire service also reported a fire being lit which destroyed some grass.

“Any witnesses are asked to contact PC James Bugden at Canvey police station on 101.”

The former college building, which has been vacant since 2013, is currently the subject of a planning application made by Essex County Council.

If approved, the building will be demolished and replaced by 30 sheltered housing units, as well as 14 new homes.

Mike Lucas-Gill, Conservative councillor for Rochford’s Roche South ward, said: “I hope that something is done with the building soon so that this does not become a chronic problem.

“With anything like this, when someone does deliberate damage it is totally wrong. If it’s young kids then parents need to take responsibility. This seems to be an increasing and ongoing problem with young people in Rochford.

“I am relieved the fire crews were able to act quickly and prevent it spreading to the buildings.”

Anyone with information can call Essex Police on 101.