THESE pictures show the devastation caused by a fire which ripped through a convenience store shortly after 1am this morning. 

The blaze meant neighbours were ordered to leave their homes as fire crews battled the flames for an hour

Essex Fire and Rescue Service said the shop was already 50 cent alight when crews arrived.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

Echo: Horror - fire investigators at still at the scene this morningHorror - fire investigators at still at the scene this morning

A spokesman from the fire service, said: "Firefighters were called to a fire in shop in Westcliff.

"When fire crews arrived at the scene they  reported that 50% of the shop was on fire.

Echo: Damage - the store was completely gutted by the fireDamage - the store was completely gutted by the fire

"Crews immediately evacuated the flats above the shop and started to tackle the fire.

"Firefighters managed to extinguish the fire by 2am.

"The cause of the fire will be investigated."

Echo: Aftermath - people who live close to the shop were ordered to leave their homesAftermath - people who live close to the shop were ordered to leave their homes

Witness Macy Saville, 27, from London Road: "I was walking home from my friend’s about 1am this morning and I could see thick smoke as I was walking up Ramuz Drive and the smell was horrendous.

"Then as I got to the London Road I saw the shop was on fire - like raging. You could hear everything crackling and people came out of their flats to watch.

"I was shocked at how bad it was and how fast it was just going up. It started on the outside by the looks of it.

"I bet the owners are gutted. That’s the last thing they are going to need during these times."

Echo: Damage - a car parked outside the store was damage by the blaze Damage - a car parked outside the store was damage by the blaze