FIREFIGHTERS have warned the public to keep their windows closed after a blaze broke out in an Essex town.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service six crews were called to a fire affecting an industrial unit in Shire Hill, Saffron Walden, at 2.36pm today.

"Please keep your doors and windows closed if you live nearby," it said on social media. "Avoid the area if you can."

A statement from the fire service says: "Crews are continuing to tackle a fire affecting a two-storey industrial building, measuring approximately eight metres by 15 metres.

"We have six crews – from Saffron Walden (two), Great Dunmow, Wethersfield, Newport, Harlow – as well as Chelmsford’s aerial ladder platform at the scene, along with a number of officers.

"Due to the smoke the fire is creating, we are urging residents to keep their doors and windows closed."

Group manager Dan Partridge said: “We are working incredibly hard, alongside our partners, to resolve the incident. However, we expect to be at the scene into the evening and ask people to stay away from the area if possible.”