Crews tackle fire in roof of industrial units

Crews from across Essex were called to the scene on Thursday morning

Firefighters have spent about five hours at the scene of a blaze in the roof of two industrial units.

Eight crews were called to the buildings near the A127 Southend Arterial road, North Benfleet, at about 10:15 BST, Essex County Fire & Rescue Service said.

The fire has been put out but crews remain at the scene to dampen down hotspots.

An investigation will take place to establish the cause.

Steve Osborne, station manager, said that due to "a difficult water supply in the area", the fire service had used a water bowser at the scene as well as an aerial ladder.

People in the area were asked to keep their windows closed due to the smoke.