Fire crews remain at scene of Westcliff fire overnight
Two floors were alight when crews arrived yesterday evening
Essex County Fire and Rescue crews have remained at a fire in Westcliff overnight, after reports of a three-storey building on fire.
They were called to reports of a fire in a three-storey building in Hamlet Court Road, between London Road and Anerley Road, at 8.20pm.
When crews arrived the top floor and roof were completely alight.
A man was treated for the effects of breathing in smoke by the Ambulance Service.
Eight crews, two Aerial Ladder Platforms and an Incident Command Unit from Hawkwell attended the scene at the height of the fire.
Group Manager Ben Turner said: "As it was unsafe for firefighters to enter the building, we have used two of our Aerial Ladder Platforms, from Chelmsford and Grays.
"Crews have worked really hard to get the fire under control and stop it from spreading.
"The first floor, which were unoccupied flats, have suffered significant damage because the roof and second (top) floor partially collapsed.
"Although the ground floor did not suffer any fire damage, we are not sure of the extent of the smoke and water damage at this stage.
"We have worked closely with the Ambulance Service, Essex Police, local authority and utilities companies to resolve the incident."
Locals are asked to keep their doors and windows closed due to the smoke in the area, as well as avoiding the scene.