Grace Capel

A warehouse occupied by Premier Labellers at Bathside Bay in Harwich was engulfed by fire early Sunday morning, sending thick smoke across the area and covering nearby cars in ash. Residents reported flames rising higher than nearby flats, while around 35 firefighters attended and extinguished the blaze. Essex County Fire and Rescue Service advised people to keep windows and doors closed. Councillor Ivan Henderson praised the emergency services and the Salvation Army for supporting residents, and said the destruction was devastating for Premier Labellers and its employees. The nearby wood yard was not affected, preventing a potentially more serious incident.