FIRE crews battled throughout the early hours of today against an inferno that engulfed an army building in Colchester.Eleven fire crews, including one from Nayland, were called to fight the blaze, which took hold at Hyderabad Barracks, on Mersea Road, Colchester.

FIRE crews battled through the night against an inferno that engulfed an army building in Colchester.

Eleven fire crews, including one from Nayland, were called to fight the blaze, which took hold at Hyderabad Barracks, on Mersea Road, Colchester.

It was reported at 12.30am today and took eight hours to bring the building, which was used for storage and as a classroom, under control.

Approximately half of the first floor was reported as being well alight by the time firefighters reached the scene.

Six jets and two hose reels were used to bring it under control just after 8.30am today.