AN investigation is underway into a fire which engulfed a derelict three-story Colchester office block.

Six fire crews and an aerial ladder platform battled the blaze at Bridge House which started at around 5pm today - with some fire engines being delayed from getting to the scene when the Hythe railway crossing was closed for a train to pass.

Crews, using two sets of breathing apparatus and two jets, extinguished the fire by 7.30pm.

An investigation will take place to establish the cause of the blaze.

For more see tomorrow’s Gazette.