A FIRE that was visible for miles around was tackled by Essex firefighters last night.

It caught light at West Tilbury where a blaze was reported on open ground.

A statement from Essex Fire and Rescue Service said: "Crews were called to Turnpike Lane, West Tilbury, at 9.09pm last night after reports of a fire in the open. 

"On arrival firefighters reported that a large pile of scrap wood was completely alight.

"Firefighters worked to extinguish the fire by 11.10pm. The cause has been recorded as both accidental or deliberate both possibilities being looked at."