A huge blaze at the former Thurrock Technical College is being tackled by eight fire crews.

Firefighters were called to the derelict building in Woodview Road, Grays, at 8.40pm on Wednesday.

Crews are using breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze.

11pm, incident commander Tony Clark said: "Crews are continuing to tackle the fire in a derelict building which was the old Thurrock Technical College.

"A large amount of smoke has been generated by the fire and we are asking residents in the Grays and Tilbury area to close their windows tonight as a safety precaution."

The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and Essex Police will carry out an investigation.

UPDATE 7AM THURSDAY this morning (Thursday) said: "Six fire appliances and crews have remained at the incident throughout the night working to extinguish the fire.

"Crews are using two main jets and two ground monitors and steady progress is being made."

UPDATE 10am Thursday- Four fire appliances and crews remain at the scene of the fire continuing to extinguish the fire.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and Essex Police will carry out an investigation.

UPDATE 1pm Thursday - Three fire appliances and crew remain at the incident, firefighters are making steady progress to extinguish the fire.