Smoke pours from industrial unit fire

Firefighters worked to extinguish the flames in Harlow, Essex

Smoke has been seen billowing out of an industrial unit as eight crews battled to extinguish a fire overnight.

Essex County Fire & Rescue Service was called to Parkway, Harlow, at 18:40 BST on Thursday.

Residents were advised to keep their windows and doors shut while firefighters tackled the blaze using an aerial ladder platform.

Group manager Marc Diggory said: "Due to a high number of batteries inside the unit, the scene is producing lots of smoke."

Crews were expected to remain at the scene for "several hours" on Thursday evening, Mr Diggory added.