A man was treated for the effects of breathing in smoke after a fire at a block of flats.

Crews tackled the fire at a block of flats on Sutton Road, Southend, with residents inside told to stay indoors last night.

Firefighters put out the fire at around 10.45pm, half an hour after arriving at the scene.

Several floors inside the building were filled with smoke, with one man suffering from smoke inhalation.

It is unknown whether the man was taken to hospital.

Crews then used positive pressure ventilation fans to clear the affected floors from smoke.

The cause of the fire is unknwon, with an investigation set to be carried out today.

A spokesman for the Essex fire service, said: "Crews were called to a third floor flat after reports of a fire.

"On arrival firefighters reported that several floors inside the building were smoke logged and one man was suffering from smoke inhalation. 

"During the incident firefighters advised people to stay in their flats, as is the normal procedure for most high-rise blocks of flats.

"Crews worked quickly to extinguish it by 10:45pm.

"Crews then used positive pressure ventilation fans to clear the affected floors from smoke.

"The casualty was left in the care of the Ambulance Service.

"An investigation into the cause of the fire will be carried out tomorrow."