Huge fire erupts in Clacton, hitting ten properties so seriously people are being told to avoid the area

Firefighters are battling at the scene of a large fire in Clacton affecting 10 properties.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service says it has six crews working to get the blaze under control and have advised people to avoid the area.

Families living nearby have been told to keep their windows and doors closed to avoid smoke pumping out from the flames.

Tendring District Council has set up a rest centre at The Sun Spot, Clacton.

Station Manager Nick Singleton said: ‘Please avoid the area while we deal with this incident, there is a lot of smoke being blown around in the wind.

‘We have the fire under control but anticipate we’ll be here for several hours while we work to fully extinguish the fires. Initial crews worked very hard in windy conditions to prevent the fire spreading.’