A MASSIVE blaze has destroyed a factory, boats and other buildings at Blackwater Marina.

Residents living near the marina in Maylandsea were ordered to keep their doors and windows shut by a police helicopter as toxic smoke billowed from the factory and asbestos roofing and gas cannisters exploded in the heat.

About 100 firefighters and 18 crews from across Essex helped to tackle the inferno, which was believed to have started at about 8.30am in a dust extraction unit.

Villagers in Mayland, Steeple, Rodwell and Tillingham were also advised to keep windows shut due to the wind blowing the smoke across into other areas of the Dengie Peninsula.

The fire is now under control but several crews remain on site damping down and making sure the area is safe.

A second factory nearby was saved by the firefighters despite a shortage of water who had to rely on a trail of hose jets more than 2,000 metres long as the tide was out and the local supply was not sufficient.

Nobody was hurt in the blaze after the 22 staff at Straight Edge Manufacturing Ltd and surrounding premises were successfully evacuated.

Several roads in the area are still shut and drivers in Mayland are warned to expect continued disruptions.

The official cause of the fire is still to be confirmed.