An investigation was today under way after factories were destroyed in a major fire.

The blaze broke out just after 11pm on Wednesday at the Basket Works site in Grange Road, Tiptree.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service was inundated with calls as the 25ft flames could be seen from miles around.

Around 50 firefighters from tackled the blaze.

But their efforts were hindered by a water shortage. Extra fire engines were brought in to lay hoses to a nearby pond.

The basket works closed a year ago and its owner Richard Martin leases the site to about five businesses. He also has his own saw mill there.

Most of the buildings are made of wood, and fire crews were confronted by the flames spreading rapidly.

The security guard, who lives on site, raised the alarm after he heard a "whoosh" and saw a huge orange glow.

Mr Martin said: "It is a mess. I was woken up to be told about it and could not believe it when I got down here. It was such a shock."

Fire investigation officers were today carrying out a probe into the cause of the blaze.

But because of the extent of the damage it was feared the cause might not be pinpointed.

An Essex County Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "It is too early to say what caused the fire. It was so intense that the majority of buildings were burnt to the ground. It is going to be hard to pinpoint where it started but we will try."

Firefighters were set to remain on scene all day damping down. No-one was evacuated and there were no homes nearby in danger.

Thousands of pounds of plant machinery and factory equipment were also lost in the blaze.

Mayland Boatyard was razed to the ground along with its mouldings needed to build 150 leisure cabins next year.

Manager David Shove said: "It looks like there is nothing left. Where do we go from here. I don't know. It's bad. I would put the cost of the damage at around £100,000. I don't know what we are going to do."

A gas business and car parts company were not damaged.

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