Eight fire crews are working to put out flames after a fire broke out at Southend Airport.

Picture: RHYS LENCH

Units from Southend, Rayleigh Weir, Rochford, Shoeburyness, Hawkwell and Chelmsford were sent to reports of a blaze in a large aircraft hangar shortly after 10am today.

The large building, which is used to house livery aeroplanes, was completely alight.

At the time, the hangar - on the north side of the airfield - did not have any aeroplanes inside.

The airport itself has not been affected.

East Anglian Daily Times: Firefighters tackle a blaze in an aircraft hangar at Southend Airport. Picture: ESSEX COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICEFirefighters tackle a blaze in an aircraft hangar at Southend Airport. Picture: ESSEX COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE (Image: Archant)

Airport bosses said in a statement: “Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is currently dealing with an incident at the Air Livery hanger on the north side of the airfield.

“London Southend Airport is still open and operating as normal”.

Aerial ladder platforms were used by crews to pour water on the building from above.

In an update provided at 12.40pm, fire chiefs said they have almost completely extinguished the blaze.

East Anglian Daily Times: Eight fire crews are battling flames at Southend Airport. Picture: ESSEX COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICEEight fire crews are battling flames at Southend Airport. Picture: ESSEX COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE (Image: Archant)

Firefighters are using thermal imaging cameras to find remaining hotspots.

These will then be dampened down to make sure they are cooled down and put out.

An investigation is underway into the cause of the blaze.

However, at this stage fire bosses believe it started accidentally.