Crews battle challenging conditions at field fire

Smoke billowing from the fire could be seen across Colchester, including from a light aircraft

Firefighters battled "challenging conditions" after flames spread over a field.

The Essex fire service said it received more than 45 calls about the blaze as smoke could be seen across Colchester.

Six crews attended the scene in Mersea Road at 15:21 BST and used a drone to plan their response.

Group manager Dan Wastell said they did a "great job" to get the fire under control, with an investigation into its cause to follow.