Firefighters have closed a road in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, as they tackle a fire near the town's Palace Theatre.
Photos shared on social media show black smoke billowing from the theatre, with police and firefighters at the scene.
Two people suffered burns and one was hospitalised after the fire broke out in a flat near the theatre.
The Essex Fire Service confirmed that people had been evacuated from the theatre and neighbouring buildings after the blaze broke out. A spokesperson said an investigation will be carried out into the cause of the fire when it is safe to do so.
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