A CITY centre road is shut after a fire broke out at a block of flats in Southend city centre 

Plumes of smoke could be seen billowing from the Quantock flats this afternoon as a fire broke out on the eighth floor of the tower block in Chichester Road.

Firefighters and police are on the scene.

Despite initial reports the building was being evacuated, the fire service has confirmed residents were told to stay put.

All emergency services have been contacted for comment.