FIREFIGHTERS battled to control the flames after a derelict building in Colchester went up in smoke this afternoon.

Six fire crews fought to keep the inferno in the disused property in Greenstead Road at bay.

It is believed the building involved is the former Gamet Bearings factory, which was found to be the home of a £2 million cannabis farm in April 2021 after it became vacant.

Gerry Sharpe, who witnessed emergency workers responding at the scene, said he understands homeless people were living inside the building.

Gazette: Cordon - a police officer guards the sceneCordon - a police officer guards the scene (Image: Newsquest)

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said it was called shortly after 1.05pm.

Crews from Colchester, Wivenhoe, Clacton, Brightlingsea, Witham and Chelmsford rushed to the scene in response.

A spokesman for the brigade said: "Firefighters have been called to reports of a fire in a derelict building in Colchester.

"The building, which measures approximately 15m x 30m, comprises of five sections.”

Greenstead Road was temporarily closed while police officers guarded the scene as firefighters worked.

Gazette: Emergency - a derelict factory caught alight in ColchesterEmergency - a derelict factory caught alight in Colchester (Image: Newsquest)

Gazette: Do not cross - the police cordonDo not cross - the police cordon (Image: Newsquest)Residents were warned to the avoid the area while the incident unfolded.

Police officers wearing masks advised passers-by to avoid coming close to the cordon in place due to the thick smell in the area.

People attempting to head to the Hythe Tesco superstore and towards the University of Essex were forced to turn around throughout this afternoon.

Those looking to travel towards the city centre also faced short delays on their route.

Gamet Bearings was set up in the 1950s but bought by rival, Huddersfield based firm HB Bearings in 2019.

Gazette: Response - firefighters working in Greenstead RoadResponse - firefighters working in Greenstead Road (Image: Newsquest)

Gazette: Heavy duty - the emergency responseHeavy duty - the emergency response (Image: Gerry Sharpe)

Before the Colchester site closed in the same year it was believed to be one of the city’s oldest factories.

About 20 people are believed to have lost their jobs when the site closed.

Plans to revive the building by converting it into 65 apartments are under review by Colchester Council bosses.

It follows police officers discovering it had been transformed into an industrial-sized cannabis growing operation, comprising 6,500 plants when it was raided.

Rition Mone, 26, an illegal immigrant, was sentenced to three years and two months imprisonment for his part in the illegal farm.