FIREFIGHTERS were called to a blaze at an art warehouse in Colchester.

Five crews from Colchester, Tiptree and Halstead were called to the warehouse in Sussex Road shortly before 9.15pm on Friday.

Firefighters used 16 sets of breathing apparatus and two hose reel jets to tackle the blaze, which was on the first floor of the building.

A spokesman for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “On arrival the incident commander reported that the first floor of the building, which measures 18 metres by 22 metres, was completely smoke logged.

“The fire was deep seated and crews in breathing apparatus removed objects from the warehouse to gain better access to the fire.”

The fire was extinguished by 12.25am. A positive pressure ventilation fan was then used to clear smoke from the building.

The cause of the fire will be investigated.