SIX crews of firefighters were called to a blaze in a flat in George Tilbury House on Godman Road, Chadwell St Mary at 10.05pm this evening (Wednesday, 21 January).

On arrival, firefighters reported there was a flat fire on the fifth floor of the 14 floor high-rise building.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the flat and found a fire inside.

Crews worked to put the fire out by 10.55pm and will carry out a fire investigation to determine the cause. 

Station Manager Russ Freeman said: "Thank you to all the residents who followed the stay put policy within this building, this meant we could get crews inside the affected flat quickly and put the fire out as quickly as possible.

"Crews will be on scene for a little while longer working to make the scene and are checking in with residents.

"Tomorrow, we'll work to carry out a fire investigation to determine the cause."

Some families who had left the building, or were returning during the incident, were given entry back to their homes about 11.30pm.

Crews from Basildon, Corringham, Grays, Orsett and Rayleigh Weir attended.

This evening's incident came just 17 days after a flat fire at Freemantle House in nearby Tilbury.