A fire is currently alight in derelict buildings opposite the Kursaal, in Southend.

Fire crews are at the scene, in Southchurch Avenue, now.

Five fire crews are in attendance after being called at 3.53pm.

Two crews from Southend, one each from Shoebury and Rochford, and the aerial ladder platform (ALP) from Grays, are all tackling the blaze.

Upon arrival incident commander Mark Turnbull reported that the fire was in three houses and measured 15metres by ten metres.

Three main jets and two hose reel jets are being used and the ALP is used to pour water from above.

An update at 4.55pm from the fire service said steady progress is being made and crews continue to use the ALP.

The fire comes just hours after police released a CCTV image of a man they want to trace in connection to two fires - thought to be set deliberately - in nearby Pleasant Road.

Roger Powell, of Leigh, was driving down Southchurch Avenue when he noticed the smoke.

He said: "The fire service weren't there when we drove past.

"I noticed the smoke blowing across the road and wondered what it was, my wife asked if we should call the fire service because we didn't know if anyone else had.

"But by the time we stopped and turned round the engines were there.

"I could see flames coming out of the top windows of the of the end building, which is derelict, and then lots of smoke.

"The fire service started getting water in there as soon as they arrived though."

UPDATE

Crews had extinguished the fire and left the scene at 6.30pm, the road was reopened shortly after.

Are you at the scene? Have you seen what is happening? Email kristina.drake@nqe.com