Emergency services are on the scene of a fire at a flat next to a British seaside town's theatre as firefighters tackle the blaze which has left two people injured.

Firefighters have closed a road in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, after responding to the fire next to the town's Palace Theatre. Thick smoke can be seen drifting into the sky.

Images have been shared across social media of the black smoke rising from near Dixon Studio, located within the building that also contains the Palace Theatre.

According to Essex County Fire and Rescue Service the blaze started in the roof space of a flat next to the theatre.

18:20 Tim Hanlon

Two people 'suffered burns' in fire by Palace Theatre

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said two people have been injured.

"Two people who suffered burns w

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