• Building was 'engulfed' by flames this morning
  • Antiques inside warehouse totally destroyed
  • Blaze is being treated as suspicious by police

A FURNITURE warehouse was engulfed by flames after a fire broke out early this morning.

Five fire crews battled the flames at the Hunwick Interiors building in Turkey Cock Lane, Stanway.

A brigade spokesman said: "On arrival the incident commander reported that the entire building, which measures 10 metres by 15 metres, was alight.

"Crews are using hose reel jets and main jets to tackle the blaze."

The warehouse was totally destroyed by the fire, which broke out at just before 6am today and is being treated as suspicious.

The fire was out just after 8.15am.

Gazette:

Firefighters were still damping down hotspots at 9am.

Assistant divisional officer Mark Turnbull said the inside of the single-storey showroom was 100 per cent alight when they arrived.

"The crews did a fantastic job protecting the surrounding buildings," he said. 

"They worked in freezing conditions to contain the fire."

Crews from Colchester, Tiptree and Coggeshall were called to the incident.

Officers are expected to remain at the scene for the rest of the day.

A police spokesman said: "The fire service contacted us at 6.30am with reports of a fire at a furniture warehouse in Turkey Cock Lane, Stanway.

"Officers attended and remain at the scene making enquiries.

"The fire is being treated as suspicious. Anyone with information is asked to contact Essex Police on 101."