AN investigation has been launched after a car parts trading centre in Rayleigh was gutted by fire.

Firefighters were called to Autoval just before 4.30am this morning where a well established fire had broken into the roof of the building, in Sirdar Road, on the Brook Road Industrial Estate.

Crews from Rayleigh Weir, Hawkwell, Leigh and Southend tackled the blaze. They worked quickly to bring the flames under control and prevent it from spreading to neighbouring units.

The fire was put out just before 6.30am, but severe damage was caused to the inside of the building.

The devastated owner of the centre, who did not want to be named, said he was “completely shocked” but didn’t want to comment further.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and Essex Police have launched an investigation to establish the cause. It is not yet known whether it is being treated as suspicious.