Four crews attend scene of a FIRE near Roots Hall

Four crews attend scene of a FIRE near Southend United’s home ground Roots Hall… with images showing a ‘large quantity of artificial turf’ ablaze at a nearby commercial premises

The fire began at 5:45pm at a commercial premises on Roots Hall Avenue
Photos appear to show a large pile of artificial turf on fire at the site
At least four fire engines are in attendance with the public told to stay away
Southend United have played at the 12,000-capacity Roots Hall since the 1950s

Four crews are attending the scene of a fire on Monday evening near Roots Hall, the home ground of Southend United football club.

Photos emerging on social media from the area show thick black smoke coming from a building on Roots Hall Avenue, near the 12,000-capacity stadium.

At least four fire engines are in attendance, with other images appearing to show a pile of artificial turf on fire at the site.

Four crews are attending the scene of a fire on Monday evening near Roots Hall in Southend

Further photos show a large quantity of artificial turf on fire at Roots Hall Avenue on Monday

The public have been told to avoid the area and close their windows and doors if living nearby

Essex County and Fire Rescue Service said the blaze is at a commercial premises and began at 5:45pm.

Local media outlet Your Somerset report that the blaze appears to be in a storage area.

Fire alarms are also still sounding throughout the stadium.

Firefighters have been called and are still working to prevent the spread of the blaze

A spokesman said: ‘Firefighters have been called to reports of a fire at a premises in Victoria Avenue, Southend this evening.

‘Please avoid the area. If you live nearby, keep windows and doors closed.’

The stadium has played host to Southend United since the 1950s, with the club last season relegated from the EFL for the first time in 101 years.

The 12,000-capacity Roots Hall has played home to Southend United since the 1950s