Overview

• Essex Fire Service said the blaze broke out just before 3:50pm in the roof space of a residential flat next to the Palace Theatre on London Road.
• The Palace Theatre and neighbouring properties were evacuated as firefighters worked to control the incident.
• Two people sustained burns; ambulance crews treated them and transported one patient to Southend Hospital.
• Crews used an aerial ladder platform to remove roof tiles and douse hotspots as they worked to secure the structure.
• London Road is closed in both directions and residents were urged to avoid the area and keep windows closed, with an investigation to follow when safe.