A DERELICT pub long considered a safety hazard was virtually destroyed by fire.

Six fire engines were called to The Blue Anchor, in Printing House Lane, Hayes, on Saturday evening.

The roof caved in, and the ground and first floors were severely damaged. No one was hurt but the cause is under investigation.

The pub has been empty since 2008. There have been concerns over its safety and owners were told by the council to make it secure in April 2010. There was a fire there four months later.

Despite it being boarded up and locked, there is evidence that street drinkers and drug users have gained access.

David Brough, chairman of the Hayes Town Partnership, said it was a disaster waiting to happen.

The property was on the market for s390,000, nearly half of the s700,000 asking price in 2010.

Saturdays fire was reported just after 6pm, and it was extinguished by 7.47pm.

Six engines from Hillingdon, Heathrow, Hayes, Northolt and Feltham were at the scene.