A HUGE blast has rocked homes and sent smoke billowing into the sky as firefighters race to tackle a blaze.

Locals have been warned to avoid the area and to keep their windows and doors shut as the fire service battle the inferno in .

Smoke and flames rising into the sky from an explosion in Rettendon Way.A huge blaze has erupted in Essex with locals saying they heard an ‘explosion’ Credit: X An explosion with large flames and dark smoke billows in the distance over a field of tall, dry grass.Some captured the blast from miles away as a huge plume of smoke billows into the sky Credit: X

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said they were currently at the scene of a “large industrial unit fire” in Southend Road.

Local residents took to social media after reportedly hearing an “explosion” in the area, claiming that they felt the shockwave from the blast in their homes.

Cllr Danielle Belton posted a video to showing a huge plume of smoke pouring into the sky from miles away.

She said: “Did anyone else hear or see the explosion a few minutes ago?

Dark smoke rising from a fire, seen through tree branches.Essex Fire Service say they are at the scene of an ‘industrial unit fire’ Credit: Facebook Smoke from a huge explosion in Essex, England, seen from across the water in Kent.The smoke has been spotted from miles away Credit: Alamy

“My whole house shook, it appears to be around Rettendon Way.

“It looks extremely serious, I really hope no one is hurt.”

Other footage circulating appears to show black smoke coming from the area before a huge explosion as a fireball erupts.

A spokesperson for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “We’re currently at the scene of large industrial unit fire in Southend Road between East Hanningfield and Rettendon.

“If you live or are travelling nearby, please keep your windows and doors closed.

“Please avoid the area if you can.”

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Eze Chidiebere Paul

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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