Firefighters are battling a large blaze on an industrial estate.

Four different crews were called out to the Springwood Industrial Estate in Braintree around 8.19am this morning.

Upon arrival, they found an industrial unit, which is used as a vehicle workshop and measures around ten metres by 15 metres, was completely alight.

Braintree and Witham Times:

A cordon has been set up to clear the area and allow firefighting to take place safely.

Traffic is heavy in the area, with queues forming along Rayne Road.

Braintree and Witham Times:

A worker on the industrial estate said: "No traffic or people are allowed passed.

"The traffic is gridlocked. We’re not allowed out. Company policy."

Reports suggest the fire is at the J W Gibbs workshop.

Braintree and Witham Times:

A spokesman for the fire service said: "Firefighters are currently at the scene of a industrial fire in Springwood Drive, Braintree.

"A safety cordon has been set up, but if you live or work nearby, keep windows and doors closed to avoid being affected by smoke."

UPDATE 9:30am

The electricity board has been called to the scene to "isolate the power supply" to the workshop. 

The fire service says it is making good progress and the fire is being contained. 

UPDATE 10am

The fire has now been fully extinguished. 

Crews are now using "positive pressure ventilation fans" to clear the premises of smoke.

An investigation into the cause of the blaze will then take place.

UPDATE 10.45am

The fire reportedly caused disruption to nearby businesses this morning, including Concept Life Sciences, a lab across the road which tests soil and water.

One staff member said they had to switch off the machines in their lab because of the smoke.

Meanwhile, nearby Ab Salute gym also reported disruption, saying the road closure had left "no access via car."