Firefighters tackle 180-tonne haystack blaze

Fire crews were called to Rochford, near Southend, on Sunday evening

Firefighters have tackled a large blaze involving 180 tonnes of hay bales.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service was called to Lambourne Hall Road, near Rochford, at 20:14 BST on Sunday.

Station manager Rick Williams said crews "worked to protect the area", and windy conditions had meant the fire burned through the haystack "quite quickly".

Firefighters expected to remain at the scene overnight to ensure the fire burned out safely.