THREE crews of firefighters tackled a blaze in gardens behind East Street, South Stifford, this afternoon (Tuesday, 17 May).

Firefighters from Grays wore breathing apparatus to tackle the fire which also saw at least two vehicles alight.

The blaze sent up a large pall of black smoke that drifted over Grays and West Thurrock and could be seen from miles away.

Crews, who took about 30 minutes to douse the flames, reported no-one was injured in the incident.

Firefighters take a moment after working in breathing apparatus

A statement from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS)said: "We were called to East Street in Grays at 3:13pm. On arrival, crews confirmed a garden fire had spread out of control; Three cars and two sheds to the rear of the properties were completely alight.

"Firefighters worked hard to extinguish the fire by 4:06pm. The fire was caused accidentally, and we're pleased to confirm that nobody was injured as a result of the fire.

"ECFRS would like to take this opportunity to remind people not to leave fires burning unattended, no matter how small as they can spread out of control quickly."