Firefighters tackle flat fire in Westcliff

Firefighters were this afternoon called to a fire in a residential property near the Palace Theatre in London Road, Westcliff.

The fire - in the roof space of a flat neighbouring the theatre - was quickly contained by firefighters. 

The Palace Theatre and some neighbouring properties were evacuated as our firefighters extinguished the fire.

Incident Commander Dean Riley said: “Firefighters quickly contained a fire in the roof space of a flat next to the Palace Theatre and made the area safe. A number of people were evacuated from the theatre and neighbouring properties while crews worked to extinguish the fire.

"Our aerial ladder platform was used to remove roof tiles and extinguish any hotspots. 

"We’re grateful for the co-operation of Palace Theatre staff and residents in neighbouring properties who were evacuated during the incident.”

Two people who suffered burns were left in the care of East of England Ambulance Service. 

An investigation will be carried out to determine the cause of the fire.