PANICKED neighbours feared a major explosion after a garage fire caused "sky high" flames.

Firefighters were called to reports of a blaze in Parkhurst Road, Pitsea, at about 12.15pm yesterday.

The garage was completely destroyed by the fire, destroying bikes, a quad bike and lawnmowers worth thousands of pounds.

Owners Paul Griffith and wife Tracey Griffith had been away on a caravan holiday, but rushed home upon learning of the fire.

Mr Griffith, 48, a logistics company boss, said: “I can’t believe this has happened – it is no way to spend an Easter.

“I am annoyed this has happened but so thankful nobody was hurt and the house didn’t catch fire.

“There must have been over £5,000 worth of stuff in there and the garage will have to be replaced.

“I feel bad because the garage is our responsibility and nearby houses could have caught alight.”

Mrs Griffith, a 52-year-old youth worker added: “The garage is only meters away from the house.

“If the house went up I don’t know what we would have done.”

Worried neighbours told of how they rushed to call 999 after seeing the flames.

Teacher Kelly Wilson, 27, of Parkhurst Road, said the "sky high" flames were spreading towards her home.

She added: “I was worried the garage was going to blow up. I ran in to call 999 but someone had sprinted to the police station.

“Police ran over here and the fire crew got here really quickly.

“There were two fire engines and six police cars.

“I’m so glad nobody was hurt.”

Police and the fire service have launched a joint investigation and anyone with information is asked to call 101.

Crews from Basildon and Rayleigh Weir had extinguished the blaze by 12.45pm.