PLUMES of smoke are billowing into the sky following a large fire this afternoon.

The fire, off Greenways, Benfleet, has forced nearby residents to close their windows.

Echo:

Scene - the flames at the home - pic by Wayne Bailey

The fire service arrived at the scene around ten minutes ago, the Echo understands.

Remarkable pictures show two people scrambling to escape from a nearby roof.

Echo:

Blaze - the fire at the property - pic by  Wayne Bailey

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The Essex Fire Service was contacted for comment.

UPDATE 7pm

The fire has now been extinguished but several people have been left in the care of the ambulance service for treatment. 

More information on this story and a video from the scene is available here