A huge blaze has broken out near Southend Airport as a hangar goes on fire with a witness reporting an "explosion", according to The Sun UK.
Essex firefighters were called to the hangar, which is used to livery planes, near the terminal shortly after 10.40am today and believe the fire was caused "accidentally".
Early reports from an eyewitness suggested they had heard an "explosion" , while others denied hearing a bang.
Pat Lancaster told BBC Essex: "There was thick black smoke, but I didn't hear any explosion. As of now, the sky seems to have cleared a bit."
An Essex Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "When firefighters arrived at the scene they reported the large hangar, which is used to livery aeroplanes, was on fire.
"Six fire engines were requested to help tackle the fire. Firefighters are using a aerial ladder platform to pour water on the large building from above.
"The officer in charge at the incident reports crews are making good progress."
The latest update from the fire service, at 12.40pm, reports that the flames are almost extinguished.
The spokesman added: "A full investigation will be carried out to find the cause of the fire, however at this stage we believe the fire started accidentally."
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