Dozens of firefighters have been called to a blaze at an Essex recycling centre.

Essex Fire and Rescue Service were called to Hovefields Avenue in Basildon at 01.15am BST on Saturday, September 14.

A massive 21,500-sq-ft recycling centre has been engulfed in a huge fire that has been raging for hours – with smoke visible for miles.

The Essex Fire and Rescue Service said 12 fire crews had spent the night trying to tackle the blaze, and that by 6.20am BST had made “good progress”, although the flames were still raging after warehouses and about 15 vehicles were “fully alight”.

Group manager Dave Bond added: “Residents and motorists in the area will see large plumes of smoke over the next few hours as crews continue to extinguish the fire.

“Please keep your doors and windows closed. Take extra care on the roads, but avoid the area if you can.”

EssexLive reports firefighters expect to be at the scene for the next 48 hours.