'Explosion' erupts at London airport as firefighters rush to scene

An explosion has broken out near Southend Airport.

Firefighters have stormed to the scene near the airport in the Essex seaside town.

Thick smoke could be seen billowing from an aircraft hangar seen for miles in dramatic images.

Fire crews were called to the blaze at London Southend Airport 10.42am.

An airport spokesman said it was an Air Livery hangar on the north side of the site that was "burning".

Seven crews from Southend, Rayleigh, Rochford, Shoeburyness, Hawkwell and Chelmsford were sent to the scene by Essex Fire and Rescue.

Eyewitness Peter Gettings was waiting to board a flight when he noticed the flames.

The 37-year-old physiotherapist said he was told by airport staff that a hangar was ablaze.

He told Essex Live: "I could see the flames from the terminal… it was really thick black smoke."

The airport is still running a normal service today.

Southend Airport operates flights to and from Germany, Switzerland, Malta, Holland, Spain and France.

(EXPRESS)