FIRE crews in Essex are currently working to tackle a blaze in a shopping centre.

FIRE crews in Essex have tackled a blaze in a shopping centre.

Crews from Brentwood, Basildon and Brentwood were called at 7.44pm after reports heavy smoke in the Baytree Shopping Centre in Crown Street, Brentwood.

On arrival firefighters discovered smoke issuing from a lift motor room in the three storey retail centre.

Initially, two appliances were sent - however on arrival, the officer in charge requested the attendance of an additional crew and an aerial ladder platform from Basildon.

Crews reported that a heat protected staircase within the mall is heavily smoke logged.

Two hose reels jets and a 135 ladder are currently in use.

The fire was extinguished by 8.22pm when crews began ventilating the area.

A joint Police and Fire Service investigation will be carried out to establish the cause of the incident.