Firefighters battling large blaze in Essex after ‘massive explosion’

• More than 100 firefighters are currently battling a large blaze at an industrial unit in Essex.
• The fire, located on farmland in Southend Road between East Hanningfield and Rettendon, followed a "massive explosion".
• Emergency services, including Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and the East of England Ambulance Service, were called to the scene on Friday afternoon.
• Local residents reported that the explosion shook houses in the area and created a huge mushroom cloud visible in the sky.
• Authorities have described the ongoing situation as a "significant incident", with further updates expected.

IN FULL

More than 100 firefighters tackling blaze at industrial unit after ‘large explosion’ in Essex