Plumes of smoke have been seen billowing over Essex as firefighters tackle a blaze at a sausage factory
Fire crews arrived at the scene just after 5am on Tuesday morning after reports that a fire had broken out on the industrial site on River Way in Harlow.
There were 10 fire engines on site by 7.17am, with crews from Essex, Hertfordshire and London in attendance.
Residents are urged to avoid the area and people in Harlow Town have been advised to keep doors and windows shut.
Dorottya Spanyik said her husband had been working overnight in the unit when the fire alarms went off.
“My husband works there, he was there when the fire started before 6am,” she said.
“I’m not sure who alerted the fire brigade because the whole night shift was still there when the fire alarms went off.
“And they are still there, but luckily no personal injury.”
The blaze could disrupt travel, police said
The blaze could cause travel disruption as the road is partially blocked to traffic, Essex Fire and Rescue Service warned.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service added: “Access to the building is extremely limited and crews from Essex and Hertfordshire are working hard in difficult conditions to tackle the fire as quickly as possible.
“There is a large plume of smoke over Harlow Town and we are advising local residents to keep windows and doors closed.”
The fire service later wrote on Twitter that the blaze is “under control” and has been contained to one building.