SIX teams of firefighters are currently battling a blaze at a building on the Globe Industrial Estate in Little Thurrock, Grays.

More crews were reported to be on their way at 1.20pm. Police have put a 200m cordon around the site which is believed to host an automotive workshop.

The alarm was raised around 12.30pm and some nearby residents have been evacuated.

The fire has a created a huge plume of smoke that has risen over the area and can be seen as far away as Southend.

The smoke can be seen from Southend.

Roads in Little Thurrock have been closed and motorists advised to avoid the area. Residents have been advised to close windows and doors.

At 4pm Essex Fire and Rescue reported: "Firefighters have almost extinguished the fire and will now work towards taking the building apart to make it safe. 

"The fire was in an industrial unit measuring approximately 35 metres by 35 metres. 

"Crews worked to extinguish the fire in sections from the ground and from above using an Aerial Ladder Platform."