A HOUSE in Westcliff was left gutted after a blaze started in the loft.

Firefighters rushed to Imperial Avenue yesterday afternoon and discovered the loft area of the two-storey detached house was 100 per cent alight.

The flames had spread rapidly and were clearly visible from as far as Aldi on London Road by Chalkwell Park.

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Firefighters used an aerial ladder platform to get to the roof and spray water from above - crews worked for almost two hours before confirming the fire had been completely extinguised.

Neighbours told how work was being done on the home and had been for some time.

Resident, Jenny Birch, told the Echo: "The flames were so fierce and you could hear the crackling and smell the stench of the smoke.

"The wind can't have helped.

"Bricks just kept tumbling down, it was quite scary to watch.

"Lots of people were stopping to watch but all we could think about was whether our neighbours were okay, but the amublance didn't show so I'm assuming they weren't home, thank goodness.

"The smoke started to cloud our windows up after a while and we could barely even see out. We had to stay indoors for quite some time.

"The family are going to be devastated, they were having work done and it's a beautiful house."

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Another resident added: "The fire service were quick to arrive, we saw three fire vehicles arriving and eventually the two fire fighters up on the aerial ladder tackling the fire with hoses.

"We were obviously concerned for our neighbours as we were not sure if the building was empty at the time and we haven't heard the outcome but hope they are all okay and unharmed."

Several residents reported thick smoke surrounding their properties. 

The fire service had advised the public to avoid the area and close all windows and doors.

It is unclear whether anyone was home during the blaze.

The fire service are investigating the cause of the fire.