Crews arrived around 11.30pm and found the 400sqm building completely alight.

East Anglian Daily Times: Crews spent hours tackling the blaze before it was brought under control. Picture: ESSEX COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICECrews spent hours tackling the blaze before it was brought under control. Picture: ESSEX COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE (Image: Archant)

In order to control the blaze, firefighters had to use an aerial ladder platform to spray water from above and were able to get it under control by 3.45am.

Police and the Highways Agency also put a partial road closure in place on the nearby A120 which was being affected by smoke from the fire.

The road was then re-opened around 6.25am.

At 7.30am this morning, one fire engine remained at the scene with crews checking for remaining hotspots.

East Anglian Daily Times: Crews spent hours tackling the blaze before it was brought under control. Picture: ESSEX COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICECrews spent hours tackling the blaze before it was brought under control. Picture: ESSEX COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE (Image: Archant)

By 9am, firefighters were still dampening down the hotspots at the site to ensure the whole building was cooled and safe.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service left at 10.30am and have started an investigation into the blaze.