FIRE crews tackled a blaze in a first floor flat in Leigh this morning.

Leigh Road was closed in both directions at the junction with Chalkwell Schools and London Road to the junction with Kings Road after the fire started just after 7am.

Firefighters from across south Essex were called to tackle the fire.

It was initially thought the male occupant was still inside the flat but when crews in breathing apparatus went in they couldn't find him. 

During the search operation, one of the firefighters fell through the floor of the first floor flat which had been damaged by the severe fire. 

He was quickly rescued by his colleagues and pulled up to safety. He was uninjured.

It was later found the resident of the flat was not in at the time of the fire. 

Neighbours said they woke up to the sound of sirens and breaking glass and could see flames and smoke coming from the back window of the flat. 

A fire service spokesman said: "Fire crews were called to a fire in a first floor flat. The fire spread to the roof of the property.

"Crews are wore breathing apparatus and using two hose reels to tackle the fire."