FIRE crews say the cause of a fire at a disused Colchester factory is not known. 

Essex Fire and Rescue Service has released an update following the fire which took place in the former Gamet Bearings factory off Greenstead Road.  

The fire resulted in the road being closed and created gridlock on nearby roads.

Six fire crews were called shortly after 1.05pm, as the fire took hold of thje derelict building.

Crews from Colchester, Wivenhoe, Clacton, Brightlingsea, Witham and Chelmsford were all called to the scene.

The firefighters were able to extinguish the fire by 3pm, as police officers advised passers-by to stay back from the cordon, so as to avoid the noxious smell.

A fire spokesman 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.

"Firefighters managed to extinguish the fire by 3pm.

"It is not known what caused the fire."

Shoppers attempting to enter the Hythe Tesco superstore, as well as drivers heading towards the University of Essex, were forced to turn around throughout the afternoon, as the six crews fought to take hold of the fire.

Those traveling towards the city centre also faced short delays on their route.

Gamet Bearings, the building which caught fire, ran throughout the 1950s, being bought by rival firm HB bearings in 2019.

The site then closed in the same year, with many believing it to be one of Colchester’s oldest factories.

Plans to revive the building, by converting it into a block of 65 apartments, are currently under review by Colchester Council bosses.