POLICE are on the scene of a derelict factory in Greenstead which was ravaged by a fire for several hours.

The Gamet Bearings factory, on the junction between Greenstead Road and Hythe Station Road, was ablaze for several hours yesterday and four fire crews were on the scene battling the flames from about noon until 6pm.

The Gazette has contacted the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) whether the fire is being treated as deliberate.

The former Gamet Bearings factory after the fire on ThursdayThe former Gamet Bearings factory after the fire on Thursday (Image: Newsquest) Essex Police has said they will comment on their involvement once that information is confirmed.

The police presence on Friday morning involved a forensics unit, with a total of four vehicles and about six officers on the scene.

Police at the scene of the Gamet Bearings building after the fire on ThursdayPolice at the scene of the Gamet Bearings building after the fire on Thursday (Image: Newsquest)

A police cordon was also in Hythe Station Road and Greenstead Road.

The factory has been empty since 2019 having previously been in operation for 70 years.