BUILDINGS and businesses have been evacuated as firefighters are on the scene of a building fire on an industrial estate.

Crews were called to the fire in Croft Way, Witham at 11.01am, and confirmed the fire is on the first floor of a two-storey building.

Eyewitnesses in the area reported seeing smoke coming out of the area throughout the morning.

One described it as "grey, rubber smelling, smoke pouring out of the building".

Currently, there are crews from Colchester, Witham, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, Hawkwell and Lexden at the scene helping to deal with the incident.

Gazette:

The fire has affected ten per cent of the 50 metre by 25 metre building and it’s 60 per cent smoke logged.

It has been confirmed everybody is out of the building and neighbouring businesses and buildings have also been evacuated as a precaution.

Essex Travel bosses also confirmed Eatways is closed at Mott Lane due to the building fire.

Station Manager Dan Wastell said: “There is a lot of smoke, so we’d ask people nearby to keep their windows and doors closed and avoid the area. We’ve divided the fire into three sectors.”

Essex Fire added the incident is ongoing and they will provide further updates when they can.