A SKIP lorry fire closed the Southend-bound A13 close to Orsett for several hours this evening (Tuesday, 10 November).

Emergency services attended the scene and a statement from Essex Police early in the evening said: "We are on scene supporting colleagues from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service following a vehicle fire which has closed the Southend-bound A13 in Orsett.

"The fire, involving a lorry, reportedly started shortly before 6.30pm today. The Southend-bound carriageway has been closed and we'd advise motorists to avoid the area."

The road was reopened around 11pm.

A statement just before 8pm from Essex Fire and Rescue Services said: "Firefighters were called to assist at the scene of a fire involving a skip lorry on the A13 this evening.

"Due to the scale of the fire, the carriageway was closed in both directions to allow firefighters to tackle the fire from both sides of the road. Crews worked hard to extinguish the fire by 7.18pm. The cause of the fire is unknown.

"The road is likely to remain closed for some time."