Update: 1800 hrs

At 4.45pm, the officer in charge reported that the neighbouring property in the terrace was also smoke logged. Crews have been divided into sectors to effectively surround and control the fire.

By 5.30pm, firefighters had gained access to the building and were working to extinguish hotspots.

London Road will be closed while firefighting continues. Please use an alternative route.

1630 hrs

Fire in derelict building

London Road, Purfleet

ESSEX Firefighters were called to reports of a fire in a derelict building this afternoon.

YT understands it is Derby House.

On arrival crews confirmed that the building, which is situated at the end of a terrace, was 50% alight.

*This is a live incident. Please avoid the area. Further information will be added in due course.