Firefighters are at the scene of a huge fire at an industrial unit in Eastwood. 

Essex Fire and Rescue Service were called at 7.15am to reports of a fire in Progress Road.

The control room has received lots of calls to this due to the amount of smoke coming from the scene. 

Six crews were sent to the scene and requested the assistance of a further four crews as well as two Aerial Ladder Platforms, a Water Bowser and an Incident Command Unit.

Echo: Richard Vyse took this photo of crews hosing down hedges nearbyRichard Vyse took this photo of crews hosing down hedges nearby (Image: Richard Vyse)

A fire service spokesman said: "A large warehouse - measuring about 20 metres by 10 metres - is on fire and crews are working to contain the fire. 

"There is a lot of smoke coming from the scene, if you live or work nearby, please keep your windows and doors closed."

Echo: Plume of smoke as seen from a resident's homePlume of smoke as seen from a resident's home (Image: David Abrams)

The road has been closed to all traffic and Southend Conservative councillor Kevin Buck says it is likely to be shut all day.Echo: Crews have surrounded the unitCrews have surrounded the unit (Image: Simon Swords)

Photos from concerned residents across Southend show huge plumes of black smoke coming from from the blaze.

Aerial photos also show the industrial unit in flames.

Echo: The roof of the industrial unit is covered in flamesThe roof of the industrial unit is covered in flames (Image: Nick 20Delta.com)

A number of police officers are on the scene assisting their fire service colleagues as they work to extinguish the blaze.