A STAIRWELL fire at Lakeside Shopping Centre, West Thurrock, was tackled by firefighters from several local stations this afternoon (Sunday, 7 July).

The incident began around 3pm when flames and smoke began to rise from a car park block close to the bus station.

An initial statement from Essex Fire and Rescue Service said: "There is a fire in the multi-storey car park on Level 5. No vehicles are involved.

"Crews from Brentwood, Grays and Corringham are attending."

An aerial ladder platform was brought in to help fight the fire and flames were put out and the blaze extinguished by around 3.30pm

A further statement from the fire service says: "Firefighters were called to Lakeside Shopping Centre, Thurrock at 2.52pm after reports of a fire in the roof of a multi-story car park. 

Grays, Corringham and Brentwood crews were sent to the incident. On arrival, they confirmed it was a fire in the stairwell of the roof. 

"Crews extinguished the fire by 3.25pm."

Watch Manager Danny Harper said: "Crews have done a great job, and have quickly stopped the fire from spreading further.

"We believe the fire started in the stairwell on the roof. Luckily there are no cars on this level so no vehicles have been affected. "

Mr Harper added that an invetsigation woiuld be launched into the cause of the fire but at 5.50pm a further statem,ent from the service said: "The cause of the fire could not be determined."