A FAST food joint had to be evacuated in Corringham town centre on Thursday, November 6, after a thug threw a lit firework into the building.

Dense smoke filled the Kentucky Fried Chicken in St John's Way and staff were forced to evacuate.

Two crews from Corringham fire station found no sign of fire, but spent an hour ventilating the building before leaving at around 10.30pm.

Station Officer Geoff Wheal said: "Fortunately the restaurant was empty.

"Staff were just closing for the night and turned away a disgruntled customer.

"It appears he returned with a smoke bomb which he threw through the letterbox slightly damaging the seating area in the restaurant at the front.

"The smoke bombs have been selling locally around the firework night period and are sold for their spectacular smoke effects, so the building was completely smoke logged when we arrived."

Police are treating the incident as criminal damage as the firework caused some minor damage to the restaurant carpet.

Any witnesses or anyone who can identify the man should call PC Lucy Smart at Tilbury police station on 0300 3334444.