A huge food warehouse has been destroyed by an overnight blaze, with 16 fire crews on scene battling the incident for hours.

A total of 16 crews rushed to the huge blaze at Kent Foods Limited, Christopher Martin Road, Basildon. Firefighters are expected to stay at the scene for most of today.

Aerial videos show the glowing flames as they ripped through the building. Witnesses said large amounts of sugar and oil stored at the site made it tougher to extinguish it.

Craig Still, whose friend works at the firm, said: "After speaking to a firefighter, the warehouse stores mainly sugar and oils for food, and the sugar turned in to a thick black residue and leaked everywhere. It is unknown how the fire started but oils and sugar made it very hard to control." He captured aerial shots of the fire at the firm.

READ MORE >> WATCH: 16 fire crews battling huge fire in Basildon

Residents said nearby firms had to be evacuated due to the incident.

Zara Watson, from Basildon said: "I saw the fire from our house near the Watermill pub. Not knowing whether the fire had been reported or where it was. My husband and I jumped in the car at 11:45pm and headed towards the huge plume of smoke.

"At least six fire engines and multiple police on the scene of Kent food limited. Enormous fire has torn through the building, gutting the roof and it looks like Amazon building opposite has been evacuated. The tree line is alright with the flames of the building."

 

Eight appliances and two Aerial Ladder Platforms, from Chelmsford and Grays, were initially in attendance.

However, as the fire took hold fire crews were sent from Basildon, Rayleigh Weir, Billericay, Wickford, Leigh, Corringham and Orsett as well as the two Aerial Ladder Platform crews.

The fire was producing large amounts of smoke and residents in the area were advised to stay indoors and keep their windows and doors closed.

Fire crews battle through the night and at 7am today were still working on scene.

Kent Foods Limited has been contacted for comment.