A PROBE into the cause of a factory fire in Colchester is due to take place after a smoke could be seen billowing from the building.

Crews from Colchester, Weeley, Clacton, Brightlingsea and an aerial ladder platform from Chelmsford worked to extinguish a fire at the former Gamet Bearings Factory in Hythe Station Road.

Other emergency services were also on the scene.

The fire at the former Gamet Bearings FactoryThe fire at the former Gamet Bearings Factory (Image: Public) Station manager Ryan Ainger said: “When crews arrived, they found a fire on the ground floor of a two-storey warehouse.

“The fire was spreading into the first floor and roof space.

“Initially our control team received information that there may be people inside.

“Firefighters have now conducted a full search of the building and are extinguishing hot spots.”

Firefighters at the sceneFirefighters at the scene (Image: Public) The fire service has said an investigation into the cause will be carried out by officers when it is safe to do so.

While emergency services worked to put the fire out, Greenstead Road and Hythe Station Road were closed.

The Gamet Bearings Factory, at the junction of Hythe Station Road and Greenstead Road, Colchester, has been empty since 2019.

It had been in operation for nearly 70 years, but the factory was closed after being bought by rival firm, HB Bearings.

The cordon was scaled down after the fire was put outThe cordon was scaled down after the fire was put out (Image: Public) The site, which is made up of a large industrial building, a two-storey office and outside space, went to auction in 2020.

Over the years the site had been prone to broken windows, damage and fires.

It was hoped plans to convert it into apartments would help to address safety issues concerning squatters taking refuge in the abandoned factory.

Police said last year they had found bedding and other personal items during searches of the building, which comprises five sections.