Doing our bit for citizen jornalism, we’re just back from the scene of what seems to be a fairly major fire on London Road, Leigh-on-Sea.
It seems that the blaze has hit the showroom of Mad Dogs & Englishmen at 1345 London Road, Leigh-on-Sea, and Just Bikes at 1339 London Road, Leigh-on-Sea.
As of 19:55 on Sunday 05 April 2009, the fire is still blazing away. We saw at least six engines in attendance, including crew from Hadleigh, Leigh, Southend and Canvey Island. The aerial platform was also in use to fight the flames. The crews appeared to be drawing water from three different hydrants. We saw some of the crews donning breathing apparatus, and there were at least two ambulances in attendance.
According to initial reports, the fire may have started at Just Bikes, spreading to Mad Dogs. The petrol and oil at the rear of the bike shop, plus the paints and thinners at the furniture store had for a particularly nasty fire.
At the time of writing, the London Road remains closed between Elmsleigh Drive and Belfairs Drive, with a solid police cordon. Smoke and flames can be seen from quite a distance.
Lots of locals are in attendance to see what’s going on, and a fair few were snapping away on camera phones, capturing the scene for posterity.
As were we. Here are a few photos taken between 7 and 8pm:
Congrats to the emergency services for their hard work.
Contact us for images if required.
April 5th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Just been past and the fires still blazing! (at about 2100)
April 5th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
Fires still going at 10:26
April 5th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
half eleven and the fire was still going or at least a lot of smoke was!
April 5th, 2009 at 10:49 pm
One of many fire engines is right outside my house and although most of it appears to be out there’s still some smoke.
April 5th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
I have it on good authority that the fire was started deliberately by a 12-year-old boy, whose name is known to the police
April 6th, 2009 at 1:16 am
Me and my partner lived at one of those flats and lost everything,our precious little dog tilly,black and tan jack russel we also are not sure if she perished in the fire or got out,we couldnt find her,if anyone has seen her or knows anything please leave a message,thanks…
April 6th, 2009 at 1:39 am
It’s so awful! I hope your dog got out and you find her safe and well.
It’s just absolutely awful
April 6th, 2009 at 8:06 am
there are pics i took at http://www.henrysgames.co.uk/fire.zip
April 6th, 2009 at 10:10 am
I am so sorry to hear about your dog and your belongings, I hope the dog turns up.
April 6th, 2009 at 10:26 am
I am really sorry to hear about your dog. fingers crossed tilly escaped. We live down flemming ave so will keep an eye out. take care
April 6th, 2009 at 10:43 am
how bad is just bikes my bike is there having its first service just my luck and sorry to hear of your loss any info appreciated cheers
April 6th, 2009 at 11:59 am
That’s awful, we live in FLemming Av also so will keep a lok out for your dog I really hope he turns up.
April 6th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
so this is why i had trouble getting just bikes on the phone today.
so my sons new bike in for its first service is now ash.
April 6th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
The arsonist has been arrested – a boy of 11/12 who lives in Flemming Avenue
April 6th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
11-12, so he will be getting away with it then !
April 6th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Poor Tilly, I saw the damage of the fire after it had all calmed down. There were cracks in the upstairs windows and it is all burnt with black peices of rubble on the floor. I saw the smoke rising from when I was coming home from my nans I didnt know what it was but my heart was panicing.
Daisy Hamlin 10 Years old
April 6th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Mate, your photos are awful, and have a name splashed across them
April 7th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Now confirmed: 12 year old boy arrested for arson, released on police bail. I know him quite well, always seemed friendly but his mother often despaired at her unsuccessful attempts to ‘control’ him. The father left the family several years ago, and I think bringing up a disturbed boy such as he clearly is proved beyond her. I know few support the idea of staying together for the sake of the children, but sometimes you can’t predict how devastating separation and divorce can be.
April 7th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
Feeling very sorry for the mother of the boy who, it would seem, is at the heart of this tragedy. If it is who I think it is then my heart goes out to her as she has stuck by her son and his problems after being left alone years ago by her husband.
April 8th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
I do feel for the Mother. It must be awfull.
April 8th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Oh dear, he will most likely get away with it then.
By the way, not being funny but my parents separeted when I was 5 and my brother 10. We lived in a hostel then a council estate in London. And we had many problems and hurdles but we turned out fine.
You can’t blame everything on your upbringing.
April 14th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
My sympathy goes to all the tenants and shop owners who have lost their worldly possessions. I arrived at the scene at approx 7.30 pm and my heart was sinking by the second. The firemen, police, gas company, electric company and all the other services did a sterling job. Thanks a million. I am indebted to you all. Thanks a lot to Brian, Jackie and Sass.
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:46 am
How awful! all those fumes and burning rubber. People should not stand around such a place, it can't be good to breathe in. I am so sorry for all those affected, and hope Tilly is found alive and well too. The boy who is to blame must be taught the severity of his actions. I feel sorry for his mother. Divorce can affect some children more than others, but then, troubled children often show signs, and then it's time to take action before something like this happens. But getting help with a boy of that age can be difficult too, and believe me, I know that they aren't so willing to help mums out when kids are not willing to go along. The results of the young boys actions are going to leave permanent damage to many. Fortunately, no one was killed. Many thanks to the emergency services and all those whom helped.
January 15th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
Yeah, my son went to the same infants/Junior school as this boy. I often saw this lad 'playing up' when I was collecting mine. He had a poor reputation at the school as being a real handful which I witnessed on many occasion. His mother on the other hand, seemed very nice & was obviously out of her depth with him.
March 22nd, 2010 at 5:37 pm
has anyone recognised the gentleman who saved the lives of the people involved in this fire ?
it is my opinion that mr john stanzuck who also lost his entire belongings in this fire should be awarded with some sort of medal
mr stanzuck is in my opinion one of the bravest men i know