PHOTOS show a large emergency services presence this afternoon as firefighters are tackling a blaze in Benfleet.

Police and firefighters are at the scene in Benfleet Road, following reports of a fire in a workshop that used to be an old chicken shed.

Firefighters working in Benfleet RoadFirefighters working in Benfleet Road (Image: Newsquest)

Residents have also taken to social media to describe seeing smoke as far as Tarpots.

Station manager Steve Osborne said: "It is a fire in a workshop which used to be an old chicken shed.

Firefighters have surrounded the blaze which is now under controlFirefighters have surrounded the blaze which is now under control (Image: Newsquest)

"The fire has now been surrounded and is under control.

"Crews will remain to monitor and extinguish hotspots."

The road has been closed while firefighters work at the sceneThe road has been closed while firefighters work at the scene (Image: Newsquest)

Part of the road has been shut off by police while the fire service is dealing with the incident. Traffic in the area is heavy while firefighters remain on the scene.

  • More to follow