A HUGE fire has taken hold in a Westcliff home.

Witnesses have stated that the fire, on Imperial Avenue, is causing a large amount of smoke billow across the street.

It has been confirmed that the loft in the house was "100 per cent alight."

A spokesman for the Essex fire service has confirmed that the fire is under control, around 30 minutes after the fire took hold.

They said: "Firefighters were called to the scene of a fire in a two-storey home in Westcliff this afternoon.

"On arrival crews confirmed that the fire was within the roof of the property, which measures approximately 15 square metres.

"The officer-in-charge requested the support of an Aerial Ladder Platform to allow crews to reach the roof area safely and spray water on it from above.

Echo:

"A large amount of smoke is being created by the fire.

"Please avoid the area. If you live or work nearby, please keep all windows and doors closed while firefighters continue to tackle the fire.

"Crews are tackling hotspots using both within the building and using the aerial ladder platform from outside the property.

"The road will remain closed while firefighters manage this incident."

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