TERRIFIED residents watched on as plumes of smoke billowed from a city centre tower block, while emergency services shut off key routes through Southend.

Panicked residents rushed out of the Quantock tower block, on the Queensway estate, yesterday afternoon during a fire on the eight floor. 

Bright orange flames could be seen while thick block smoke billowed out of a laundry drying room as emergency services rushed to the scene. 

Seven fire engines were spotted on the scene as firefighters quickly worked to bring the blaze under control. 

Queensway and Chichester Road were shut off by police and a large cordon was put in place. 

Despite a “stay put” policy being in place in the block of flats, many residents rushed out of their flats and gathered outside as the fire broke out. 

Echo: Flames could be seen flickering over rooftops.Flames could be seen flickering over rooftops. (Image: @flamingidiot1 / X)

A seventh-floor resident said: “I heard the fire started in the drying room. A neighbour knocked on the door and told me there was a fire on the floor above, and we had to get out.”

The fire service confirmed that no homes were badly damaged during the blaze. 

Echo: Rapid - Leigh Station Manager Mark Elliott praised firefighters' successful efforts to keep the blaze under control.Rapid - Leigh Station Manager Mark Elliott praised firefighters' successful efforts to keep the blaze under control. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Leigh Fire Station Manager Mark Elliott told the Echo: “Crews worked rapidly to extinguish the fire and prevent it spreading further.

"There is slight water damage, but the flats remain habitable. There is also slight smoke damage on the eighth floor.

“We don’t yet know the exact cause. An investigation will be carried out by South Essex Homes, along with the police and the fire service.

"One resident chose to remain in their home on the eighth floor during the incident.

“They were safer inside the building than outside, because each door is smoke and fire-stopping. Opening the door could let smoke in.”

Echo: Cordon - Queensway and Chichester Road were shut off by emergency services.Cordon - Queensway and Chichester Road were shut off by emergency services. (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

South Essex Homes caretaking staff began a clean-up operation later in the afternoon, while forensic investigators were seen entering the building to start their assessment of the fire’s cause.