Theatre evacuated and two injured in fire

A theatre and nearby properties had to be evacuated after a fire broke out.

The fire took hold in the roof space of a flat near the Palace Theatre in London Road, in Westcliff-on-Sea near Southend, at about 15:30 BST.

Two people have been treated for burn injuries, the county's fire and rescue service said.

An investigation will be carried out to determine the cause of the fire.

Incident commander Dean Riley, from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, said crews "quickly" contained the fire in the roof space of a flat next to the theatre.

He said some roof tiles had to be removed so that hotspots could be tackled.

Mr Riley added: "We're grateful for the co-operation of Palace Theatre staff and residents in neighbouring properties who were evacuated during the incident."

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