Huge blaze erupts with major Essex road closed

People were evacuated from their homes after firefighters rushed to tackle a huge blaze in Essex today (Monday). Thick black smoke could be seen across the area as crews tackled the flames near Sutton Road, in Rochford, near Southend. The road was closed in both directions with traffic building in the area.

Local media reported the large fire erupted this morning around 11.30am, near Scott's of Southend Garden Centre, and a plume of black smoke was seen 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."

This LIVE blog has now closed.