A fire has broken out in Southend

Fire crews are on the scene, in Grainger Road.

Video by Jennifer Humphreys

Videos from the scene show smoke billowing from an industrial unit.

Crews were initially called at roughly 1.30pm this afternoon. 

On arrival firefighters reported that the first floor and roof space of the building, which measures around 20m x 10m, were alight. 

At 2.45pm Incident Commander Craig McLellan said: "Despite difficult access, crews have worked extremely well to bring the fire under control and stop it spreading to adjacent buildings. 

"We're continuing to tackle the fire from internally and externally and are making steady progress.

"At this stage we're uncertain of the cause of the fire."

Echo: Scene - fire crews battling the blazeScene - fire crews battling the blaze

It is thought the fire started at a kitchen firm on the industrial estate.

Incident Commander Craig McLellan told the Echo the fire has spread and involved three industrial units.

Passersby Courtney Bennett and Bernadette Hopkinson rushed to help the owner of nearby firm Rocket Art to save paintings and get paint cans out of the unit.