RESIDENTS in the east of the borough were affected by a large field fire this afternoon that caused acrid smoke and smells to drift across the area, with residents in Stanford-le-Hope, Fobbing and Corringham reporting a problem.

The fire was in North Road, Canvey Island, and started just after 4pm. It was on land adjacent to Holehaven Creek, close to the former Coryton oil refinery on the other bank.

A spokesperson for Essex Fire and Rescue was able to give the following details, with crews still on the scene going into the late evening.

It read: "Crews were called to a field fire in Northwick Road, Canvey at 4.19pm. Four crews, two off-road vehicles and a water bowser were sent to the scene. As of 21.45pm, three crews currently remain at the scene with two off-road vehicles."