A BLAZE has destroyed a factory, boats and other buildings.
Residents were ordered to stay inside by a police helicopter as toxic smoke billowed from a factory in Esplanade East in Maylandsea.
Staff were evacuated before the building collapsed.
About 100 firefighters from across Essex helped to tackle the inferno, which it is believed started at about 8.30am yesterday in a dust extraction unit at Straight Edge Manufacturing.
In total, the fire destroyed one factory and damaged another. Six boats and two portable buildings were also destroyed and others were only saved due to the efforts of those at the marina, neighbours and residents pulling boats away.
Villagers in Mayland, Steeple, Rodwell and Tillingham were also advised to keep windows shut due to the smoke.
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