EMERGENCY services rushed to the former Coryton refinery near Corringham this evening as residents in the area were shaken by a loud noise and reports of what initially appeared to be an explosion at the site close to the river Thames.

On arrival firefighters found a major safety valve had 'lifted' - causing a huge and very noisy plume of steam into the air.

The incident was centred on the Intergen natural gas power station.

A significant number of gas and fuel pipelines still run from the former refinery site and the riverside terminals and storage tanks. The Coryton Oil Refinery closed in 2012 after nearly 60 years of operation.

Safety valve released steam and noise

A statement from Essex Fire and Rescue, issued at 9.39pm says: "Crews were called after a build up of pressure had caused a safety valve to lift - a process which is completely normal when pressure builds.

"The process has caused a large amount of steam and noise in the area, but there is no fire or cause for concern."

At 10.15pm firefighters said that on-site staff were dealing with the incident themselves and have already successfully reduced the pressure. Crews are standing by as a precautionary measure. ,

Emergency services threw a cordon all around the site with the main access, the Manorway shut. There was a strong acrid smell in the air.

Essex police said: "We're assisting Essex Fire and Rescue following reports of loud noises coming from Calor Gas in Coryton. These noises were caused by pressure being vented from the site, which were louder than usual.

"There is no wider risk to the public and we're looking to resolve it as quickly as possible."

Police later confirmed the valve was within the power station and not the Calor site.

Thurrock Nub News has contacted Intergen and has since posted a statement from them about the incident. Read it here.

The former refinery site was recently cleared by specialist demolition teams is earmarked for redevelopment by Thames Enterprise Park.