RESIDENTS in the east of the borough have been advised to keep windows and doors shut this evening as fire crews tackle a blaze at an industrial site near East Tilbury.

A warning was issued around 9pm today (Thursday, 30 October) by Essex Fire and Rescue Service, whose crews were tackling the flames at the EMR site.

Reports suggest that the flames were spotted in the wake of a loud explosion'.

A statement says: "We are currently on the scene of a fire at a recycling centre on Station Road, East Tilbury.

"Our crews are asking nearby residents and businesses to keep windows and doors closed while we continue to tackle the fire.

"We're also asking the public to avoid the area while they continue to make the area safe."

At 9.50pm Essex Fire and Rescue gave the following update:

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"The fire in East Tilbury - which involves mixed scrap metal - is producing a significant amount of smoke.

"Our crews are again asking nearby residents to please keep windows and doors closed.

"Crews from Basildon, Corringham, Grays and Orsett are currently on scene."

That was followed by a further update at 10:50 which said: " The fire at a recycling site in Station Road, East Tilbury, is now surrounded and under control.

"The fire involves a large amount of scrap metal. A specialist crane on site is moving the scrap so firefighters can reach and tackle hotspots effectively.

"Smoke in the area has reduced and there is currently no wider impact. Some smoke may still be visible on site while crews continue to extinguish the fire.

"Four fire engines remain in attendance and firefighters are expected to be on scene for the next two to three hours to ensure the scene is made safe."