Two people have been injured following a major fire involving two homes in Bocking, near Braintree.
Emergency services were called to the blaze on Aetheric road earlier this afternoon, where flames were seen engulfing a house and thick smoke billowed into the sky.
The incident prompted a large-scale response, with six fire crews sent to the scene.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the fire started in the roof space of two houses and spread to the first floor of both properties.
Firefighters remain at the scene working to bring the blaze under control.
As a result of the incident, Aetheric Road has been closed in both directions between Rayne Road and Panfield Road, leading to significant disruption and delays in the surrounding area. Motorists are being urged to avoid the area and find alternative routes.
A spokesperson for the fire service said crews from multiple stations, including Braintree, Chelmsford, Coggeshall, Colchester and Wethersfield, are in attendance. R
Residents living nearby have been advised to keep windows and doors closed due to the large amount of smoke being produced.
The extent of the injuries suffered by the two people has not yet been disclosed, and it is not currently known whether they required hospital treatment.
Emergency services continue to work at the scene, with efforts focused on containing the fire and preventing further spread to neighbouring properties.
The cause of the blaze remains unknown at this stage and might be investigated.
Residents reported seeing dramatic flames tearing through the roof of the properties, with some describing the fire as one of the most severe incidents in the area in recent memory.
The incident was first reported at around 1.42pm on Friday, April 2, and remains ongoing. Authorities have urged the public to stay away while crews continue to deal with the situation safely.
