An investigation is continuing this afternoon into the cause of a fire in a block of flats in Southend

The fire broke out on the ground floor of a retirement complex in Southchurch Boulevard just after midnight. 

Fire crews were forced to evacuate some of the residents inside, while telling others to remain inside and shut their windows. 

Echo:

Firedightere were able to extinguish the flames by 2am but said there had been some damage to communal areas. 

Echo:

Group Manager Mark Eaglestone said: "Our crews acted quickly to control the fire while we implemented the building's stay put policy.

Echo:

"The fire spread was contained to the single flat, although there is smoke logging in communal areas on the ground, first and second floor.

Echo:

"By following the stay put policy, with residents staying in their flats and keeping their doors and windows closed, residents remained safe while we extinguished the fire.

Echo:

"The building also has automatic smoke vents, which work by opening automatically when a fire is detected, and means smoke can escape out of the building rather than building up in a confined space."

All photos by Aaron Chesham