A HUGE firefighting operation is under way after a massive blaze ripped through three industrial units in Harwich.Twenty fire crews - made up of about 100 firefighters - were tackling the blaze, which broke out at Oaks Logistics in Europa Way at 6am today.

A HUGE firefighting operation is under way after a massive blaze ripped through three industrial units in Harwich.

Twenty fire crews - made up of about 100 firefighters - tackled the blaze, which broke out at Oaks Logistics in Europa Way at 6am today.

The fire is ongoing but there are now around 50 firefighters at the scene and it is under control.

Paul Bowers, senior divisional officer, who is in charge of the incident, said: "The first fire crews on the scene were faced with a rapidly developing fire and worked extremely well to control the situation.

"Due to the nature of the fire, involving hazardous materials such as petrol and diesel, we had a Hazmat officer in attendance working with the Environment Agency to prevent the water courses becoming contaminated.

"Relief crews will remain at the scene turning over and damping down hot spots to ensure it doesn't re-ignite. We expect to be on the scene until early evening.”

A full investigation is under way to establish the cause of the fire.

As a precaution residents in the area, who were alerted to the fire by huge plumes of smoke, have been asked to keep windows closed.