AN investigation by Essex Fore and Rescue Service has determined that the cause of the huge blace at an East Tilbury scrap recycling site was accidental.

The blaze, which began in the early evening of Thursday, 30 October, was attended by crews from four regional fire stations and took several hours to bring under control.

Staff at the site worked alongside firefighters to enable them to tackle the flames. A specialist crane was used to move the scrap so firefighters could reach and tackle hotspots effectively.

An Essex County Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "Firefighters spent just under three hours tackling the fire in Station Road, East Tilbury and extinguished it by 11:13pm.

"Crews believe the fire was caused accidentally."