Shocking pictures show the scale of a High Street blaze this afternoon after plumes of smoke billowed across the town.

Firefighters were called to a "commercial building" in Billericay High Street just after 3pm this afternoon as a fire broke out. 

Echo: Flames spewing from the buildingFlames spewing from the building (Image: Nicola Barker)

The Echo understands the fire began in a tyre shed behind the Billericay Community Hub, near Alexander Mews.

Echo: Smoke over Billericay High StreetSmoke over Billericay High Street (Image: Nicola Barker)

Mandy Lodge, resident of Norsey Road, said: "I was in the High Street at 3pm and passed the Elan shop when I noticed the smoke.

"I noticed smoke everywhere, it was white initially and became pitch black in the sky.

"It has been a whirlwind for people who live on the High Street and it has been so shocking, there were five fire engines.

"Thankfully, no one has been injured."

Echo: A firefighter can be seen tackling the blazeA firefighter can be seen tackling the blaze (Image: Nicola Barker)

Four crews, from Basildon, Orsett, Brentwood and Chelmsford, have extinguished the fire this afternoon.

The High Street remains closed, between London Road and Norsey Road, throughout this evening rush hour while firefighters are dampening down the scene.

Echo: Part of the building has been guttedPart of the building has been gutted (Image: Essex Fire and Rescue Service)

Photos and video from the site show flames spewing from the building with firefighters attempting to get the blaze under control. 

Billericay town councillor Richard Clark, who was in the High Street when the fire broke out, said: "I was walking down the High Street and we saw it minutes after it started, there was white smoke and it smelt like plastic.

"I dropped my shopping and saw black smoke pouring off."