FIREFIGHTERS were called to a fire in a workshop early this morning that led to a warning to local residents to keep their windows closed.

The alarm was raised at 4.52 about the blaze at a workshop off Linford close to Chadwell St Mary. On arrival firefighters reported the workshop, which measures around six metres by five metres, was completely alight.

Firefighters worked hard to surround the fire to stop it spreading to neighbouring buildings; bringing it under control by around 6am.

By 8am the incident commander reported that the fire was under control, but that crews would probably be on scene for the majority of the morning dampening down the area.

One container is full of plastic and caused further smoke when water was applied to it. Residents in the area to keep windows and doors closed to avoid smoke going into their homes, though the wind direction carried most of the smoke away from residential areas.

Five crews from Grays, Orsett and Corringham - plus a water bowser - attended.

Residents reported hearing a number of explosions, with one householder from close by saying: "We were woken just before 6am by an explosion which was followed by a series of loud explosions, visible flames and sound of crackling fire heard through our double glazing."