FIRE service were alerted around 2.40pm today (Monday, 16 September) following an explosion at Benfleet Scrap on the Globe Industrial works in Grays.

Residents reported a loud bang follewed by a plume of smoke rising from the site at Unit 35 on the estate which is accessed from East Thurock Road and Rectory Road.

A resident on Crescent Avenue, which backs on to the estate said: "It doesn't seem as bad as some fires we have had on the Globe but it is so close to houses ... .to the back garden of the nearest house its a matter of feet.

"There was an explosion and my whole house shuddered."

A statement from Essex Fire and Rescue Service at 3.45pm said: "Firefighters from Grays and Orsett were called to an incident in Grays at 2.39pm this afternoon.

"Crews are currently at the scene and have confirmed it is a pile of plastic and scrap metal that is on fire.

"There is no surrounding risk. Crews are working with site staff to extinguish the fire."