EMERGENCY services attended in force as a precautionary measure after an incident in Corringham this afternoon (Sunday, 9 March).

Police, ambulance and fire service officers were quickly on scene, with around ten vehicles in all, including crews from fire and ambulance training equipped to deal with Hazmat (hazardous materials) incidents.

However, the event proved to be a false alarm, with no malicious intent, and crews were stood down after about half an hour after an investigation.

A statement from Essex Fire and Rescue Service said: "Firefighters were called to a property in Oxwich Close, Corringham, at 12.14pm this afternoon following concerns about a potentially hazardous substance.

"Following an assessment, crews quickly determined there was no risk, and no further action was needed."