Firefighters raced to put out a huge fire in a town centre this morning as the blaze spread to several properties.
Emergency services were called to a building on West Avenue in Clacton, Essex, at about 12.35am this morning.
Locals were evacuated from their homes after the inferno spread to nearby buildings.
A refuge centre was set up for displaced residents by Tendring District Council and Premier Inn Clacton.
Several streets – including Jackson Road, Penfold Road and Agate Road – were closed while firefighters battled with the flames.
Incident Commander Nick Singleton said: ‘Crews have worked hard to surround the fire.
‘We will be remaining here for a significant time during the day to make sure the fire is fully extinguished.
Firefighters were called to a building on West Avenue in Clacton, Essex, at about 12.35am on Monday
Locals were evacuated after the inferno spread to nearby properties
People watch on as a fire rips through Clacton town centre in the early hours of this morning
‘Thank you to our emergency services colleagues who have helped us safety evacuate nearby residents.’
People living near the blaze were urged to keep windows and doors shut due to the smoke.
Crews remained at the scene at 5am and have been fighting to extinguish the building, which was fully alight.
Photos show the property completely engulfed in flames and reduced to a hollow shell.
The Daily Mail has approached Essex Police for comment.
