FIREFIGHTERS are tackling a blaze at a Fish and Chip shop after a fire has broken out.

Posts online show The Frying Pan is filled with smoke as crews tackle to put it out.

The Frying Pan is a popular Fish and Chip shop along Southchurch Road in Southend.

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It is yet unknown how the fire has broken out and whether anyone is injured or inside the restaurant.

A spokesman for Essex Fire and Rescue Service said: "Firefighters were called to reports that a takeaway restaurant in Southchurch Road, Southend was alight on Wednesday evening.

"On arrival crews confirmed that the premises, which is on the stretch of Southchurch Road close to Southend East train station, was almost completely alight.

"The fire had very quickly spread to neighbouring properties.

"Firefighters are working hard to prevent the incident from spreading further and have divided the incident into sectors to allow them to do so more efficiently.

"The stretch of Southchurch Road is closed while firefighting continues. This is likely to be a protracted incident, so please avoid the area if you're travelling nearby this evening.

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