Firefighters were called to the scene of a fish shop fire earlier this morning.

When firefighters arrived at The Fisherman's Co-op in Old Leigh High Street, they found that the ground floor was completely alight and the first floor full of smoke.

At 6.30am, firefighters reported that they were making good progress in tackling the fire which had engulfed the two storey wooden hut.

Leigh Hill has been closed by the police as a result of the fire.

A total of five fire engines have been sent to the scene to tackle the blaze.

Echo:

Scene - pic by Essex Police

Residents have been reacting in horror to the news.

Celia Field said: "We always go in there for our seafood when visiting, Great family run fishmongers. So sad to see."

Christine O'Neill said: "That's terribly sad. That building has been there for years.

"I hope it's not long before the firemen put the fire out. But I fear there would be damage."

More to follow

 

Echo:

Incident - the scene pic by Essex Police