Ambulance catches fire after apparent explosion

The accident happened on a large roundabout

An ambulance burst into flames at a roundabout after a reported explosion.

It happened on the A130 northbound near Sadlers Farm in Basildon, Essex, on Monday at about 19:20 BST.

The East of England Ambulance service said the vehicle was a private ambulance working for it, but no-one was hurt and it was not carrying any patients at the time.

Essex Fire and Rescue Service said: "There was an explosion reported before our crews arrived, however crews were able to remove oxygen cylinders from the ambulance." It added the cause was accidental and the fire started in the engine.

Photographs posted on social media showed the ambulance on fire and black smoke billowing into the sky.

A number of people reported hearing an "explosion" or loud bangs "like fireworks".