FIREFIGHTERS were called to a three story block of flats after a blaze broke out in the bin chute.

The fire started on the top floor of the Windmill Steps building on Kursaal Way, Southend.

Three crew from Southend were called to the incident just before 7.25pm this evening, and spent almost 30 minutes extinguishing the flames.

Firefighters reported that a high pressure fan was needed to clear the area, which was 30 percent smoke logged.

The cause of the blaze is currently unknown pending an investigation by Essex Fire and Police.