Crews tackle fire in Westcliff

UPDATE 5PM (Monday 22 May)

It has been concluded that the cause of the fire is unknown.

UPDATE 10.30AM (Monday 22 May)

Firefighters have finished extinguishing the fire, and a fire investigation will now take place to find the cause of the fire.

UPDATE 8.15AM (Monday 22 May)

Crews remain at the scene this morning.

The Aerial Ladder Platforms are no longer required but firefighters continue to monitor hotspots.

A fire investigation will be carried out when it is safe to do so.

UPDATE 11.45PM (Sunday 21 May)

Crews will remain at the scene of fire in Westcliff overnight.

We were called to reports of a fire in a three-storey building in Hamlet Court Road, between London Road and Anerley Road, at 8.20pm.

The roof and top floor were completely alight when crews arrived.

Group Manager Ben Turner said: "As it was unsafe for firefighters to enter the building, we have used two of our Aerial Ladder Platforms, from Chelmsford and Grays.

"Crews have worked really hard to get the fire under control and stop it from spreading.

"The first floor, which were unoccupied flats, have suffered significant damage because the roof and second (top) floor partially collapsed.

"Although the ground floor did not suffer any fire damage, we are not sure of the extent of the smoke and water damage at this stage.

"We have worked closely with the Ambulance Service, Essex Police, local authority and utilities companies to resolve the incident."

Eight crews, two Aerial Ladder Platforms and an Incident Command Unit, from Hawkwell, were in attendance at the height of the incident.

A man was treated for the effects of breathing in smoke and left in the care of the Ambulance Service.

Road closures are likely to remain in place overnight and residents are advised to avoid the area - as well as keeping their doors and windows closed due to smoke in the area.