Dozens of businesses were destroyed when fire and explosions ripped through workshops near the Rayleigh Weir early today.

More than 60 firefighters risked exploding gas cylinders as the blaze gutted about 40 workshops behind the Blinking Owl cafe on the A127, forcing the road's closure.

It is estimated damage will run into hundreds of thousands' of pounds - and most owners of the small businesses now face ruin as they were uninsured.

The Southend Arterial Road was closed for several hours as flames lit up the night sky for miles around. One fireman likened it to a scene after a Nato bombing raid.

Twelve crews from across south Essex were called to the fire which was spotted by a passing police car at 12.23 this morning.

One alarmed motorist called for help after hearing a huge explosion which sent fireballs shooting over the roof of his car.

Fire appliances from Hadleigh were the first on the scene, but by 1am they were joined by crews from Canvey, Leigh, Basildon, Brentwood, Hawkwell, Wickford, Orsett and Rayleigh.

Special appliances, including the aerial ladder platform, from Leigh, Basildon and Brentwood also attended the blaze, along with around 20 police officers from Rayleigh.

Just after 1am the blaze spiralled out of control and emergency crews were forced to leave the scene for a short time.

Concern mounted for a tanker parked at the back of the workshops which was full of diesel. Firefighters battled to control the flames and avoid a massive explosion which would have wiped out the whole area.

Leading fireman Nigel Norfolk from Canvey, said: "It was a bit hairy at times with all kinds of explosions and things happening. It looked like Nato had been down there."

Southend station officer Mick Watton said: "Firefighters were faced with a barrage of cylinders exploding all around them and so withdrew and took a defensive role. A fire investigation officer is on the scene looking into it with scenes of crimes officers."

It is still not known what caused the fire. Acetylene cylinders caused the most dangerous problem.

Mr Watton said: "Even when cold, if the cylinders are nudged or fall over, they can explode. We have had a few go off, already.

"They are like flying missiles. The owner is trying to get a mechanical excavator to clear the ground."

Firefighters were expected to spend all day damping down the fire and an investigation into the cause of the blaze was expected to be launched today.

Both lanes of the A127 were reopened by 7am.

devastation as dawn breaks

As dawn broke over the scene of devastation, shocked workshop owners could only watch the destruction of their livelihoods.

Many of the 40 businesses in the area were thought to be uninsured - some for financial reasons and others because of the dangerous materials stored there.

Kevin Tierney, 34, from Rayleigh, owned a wood polishing unit K. J. Wood and has been there for eight years. His unit was completely destroyed.

He said: "It is totally gone. I have got no insurance. I had partitioned walls and I work with flammable materials, so there was little chance of getting it.

"Most of us are uninsured here. There are problems getting insurance. I don't know what to do next.

"One guy does up old cars and there are three of his customers' cars in there."

Benfleet Vehicle Services has leased two units on the site for the last five years.

Partner Peter Leggett, 31, from Thundersley, said: "The whole business has gone. We did have insurance but we do not know what we are covered for."

Barbara Wheatley and John Medlicott from the Blinking Owl Cafe, were forced to flee their home. Mrs Wheatley said: "It was terrifying and was like a scene from a big movie."

Ablaze - more than 60 firefighters tackled the fire early today

(Right) Gutted - sunrise revealed the extent of the devastation today

Picture: ESSEX FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE

Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.