Rochford fire LIVE: Huge blaze erupts with major Essex road closed

People have been evacuated from their homes after firefighters have rushed to tackle a huge blaze in Essex. Thick black smoke can be seen across the area as crews tackle the flames near Sutton Road, in Rochford, near Southend. The major road is reportedly closed in both directions with heavy traffic building in the area.

Local media reports a large fire erupted this morning around 11.30am, near Scott's of Southend Garden Centre, and a plume of black smoke continues to blanket the area. In a statement on social media, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: "Our crews are currently at the scene of a fire at an electrical substation next to a garden centre on Sutton Road, Southend. The fire has been contained. Nearby residents and the garden centre have been safely evacuated

"Sutton Road is closed between Shopland Road and the roundabout near the industrial estate."

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