TEN fire engines plus an aerial platform ladder and a number of water bowsers were used to tackle a major blaze at a car site close to the A13 this morning.

The incident happened when fire broke out in the yard behind Essex Car Sales off New Road close to the Wennington roundabout.

A number of ambulance service vehicles also attended.

The northbound carriageway of the A1306 (New Road) close to the incident was closed to allow access for emergency vehicles.

The fire was brought under control and just after noon a number of crews were stood down.

A statement from the London Fire Brigade said: "Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters were called to a blaze at a car showroom and workshop on New Road in Rainham.

"The fire was in a scrapyard and damaged a number of motor vehicles. There were a number of gas cylinders also involved. The cylinders were removed as some can explode when exposed to heat.

"The fire produced a lot of thick black smoke into the sky. We asked local residents to close their doors and windows."

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The Brigade was called at 10.19am and the fire was under control by 12.32pm. Fire crews from Dagenham, Hornchurch, Wennington, Erith, Stratford, Harold Hill and Plaistow fire stations were at the scene. Firefighters from Essex and Kent also assisted at the incident.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.