FIRE CREWS wearing breathing apparatus used two hose reels to tackle a blaze involving a large garden shed in Hall Road, Aveley on New Years Day.

Firefighting operations were hindered by acetylene cylinders stored inside.

Crews arriving at the scene reported that the shed was 100 per cent well alight. The fire was extinguished by 17:42 hrs but crews remained at the scene turning over and damping down to ensure no hot spots were left.

The incident was dealt with by 17:56 hrs. A fire investigation will be carried out to establish the cause.