Major damage has been caused at a popular shopping centre’s car park.

Emergency crews rushed to Lakeside in Thurrock near the Dartford Crossing this afternoon.

The fire broke out at around 3pm with people sharing images on social media of flames and billowing smoke coming through the roof of the car park.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service says the incident started in a stairwell.

An investigation is under way to determine its cause. The fire was said to have been extinguished by 3.25pm.

A notice on the shopping centre’s website says car park A is currently closed.

Firefighters from Grays, Corringham and Brentwood were called out.

Watch manager Danny Harper said: “Crews have done a great job, and have quickly stopped the fire from spreading further.

We believe the fire started in the stairwell on the roof.

Luckily there are no cars on this level so no vehicles have been affected. An investigation will now be carried out into the cause of the fire.”