Experts have been sifting through the charred remains of a Southend cash and carry warehouse gutted in a massive blaze.

Police set up roadblocks and diversions around the busy Southchurch Road roundabout on Wednesday as fire swept through the building.

Fire crews faced searing heat and thick, acrid plumes of smoke.

A police spokesman said: "It was a very intense fire due to the nature of some of the material on the premises - cooking oil, cardboard and spirits."

Onlookers stood open-mouthed as crews used the aerial ladder platform to dampen the flames.

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