AN investigation is now underway into the cause of a fire that destroyed a workshop on the Merrydale Industrial Estate off Linford Road, Chadwell St Mary.

Fire crews from three local stations were on the site for more than six hours, damping down and checking for hotspots after extinguishing the original blaze that was discovered just before 6pm.

The area where the blaze started is adjacent to A& R Scaffolding whose premises including a workshop and storage area were damaged, but business owner Robert Batho says the company is still trading and open for business.

A water bowser had to be used in the initial stage of fighting the blaze until hoses were laid along Linford Road to connect to a hydrant.

At 11.30am the incident commander confirmed the fire had been completely extinguished and the area was safe.