THREE homes has been affected by a fire in Colchester.

Firefighters are currently dealing with the garden blaze in Beeleigh Close.

Crews from Colchester, Wivenhoe and West Mersea were called to the scene at about 2.23pm.

Firefighters at the scene have reported the blaze is affecting three semi-detached houses and two outbuildings.

Updated 3.30pm:

One family has been made homeless by the fire. The Red Cross emergency support service has been called to support them.

Firefighters report they have the fire surrounded and are using four hose reels and a jet to put it out.

Updated 3.50pm:

Firefighters have managed to put out the blaze. An investigation will be carried out to determine the cause.

Updated 4.10pm:

Assistant divisional officer Lee Palfrymen said: "The fire started in one garden and from there spread to the garden next door and a garden at the back. It destroyed four shed type outbuildings and affected three homes.

"One house was affected by fire and the two houses next door suffered heat and smoke damage.

"We were initially called to a garden fire but on arrival crews were faced with a well developed and rapidly spreading blaze. Crews did a good job in preventing this fire from spreading to the two neighbouring houses. This fire had the potential to cause a great deal of damage if crews had not got on top of it as quickly and effectively as they did."