FIREFIGHTERS are urging residents to avoid the area this afternoon as they have given an update after a blaze on the eighth floor of a city centre tower block.

Essex Fire Service was called to the scene of the blaze at the Quantock flats building in Chichester Road, Southend. 

Five crews have extinguished a fire in a laundry area on the 8th floor. Firefighters are currently working to investigate the cause of the fire and are advising residents to avoid the area.

Despite initial reports of an evacuation, the fire service has confirmed residents were told to stay put while they worked to tackle the blaze.

Group Manager Justin Benson-Ryal said: "Crews worked quickly to get into the building and get the fire under control. Thank you to all the residents who followed the stay put policy within the building, this meant we could access the scene quickly.

"We anticipate we'll be here for the next hour carrying out a fire investigation so please avoid the area if you can, as traffic is building up."

Police are also on the scene to assist with road closures in the area while fire crews work to investigate. Queensway to Victoria Avenue and the Queensway Underpass have been closed, traffic control says.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We are currently assisting Essex Fire and Rescue at the scene of a fire in Southend. 

"Officers were called to support with road closures on Chichester Road in Southend shortly after midday today."