Southend United: Artificial turf alight near Roots Hall

Firefighters were called the the blaze late on Monday afternoon

Firefighters are tackling a blaze near Southend United's football stadium, where a "large quantity" of artificial turf is alight.

Essex Fire and Rescue Service has four crews attending, having been called to Roots Hall at 17:45 BST.

It said fire was "creating a significant amount of smoke" and that crews were working to prevent its spread.

They have advised those living nearby to keep windows and doors closed.

The fire was not affecting the stadium itself, but it was expected to be a "protracted incident", the service said.

The 12,000-seater stadium has played host to Southend United since the 1950s.

The club has just been relegated from the Football League for the first time in 101 years.

Find BBC News: East of England on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you have a story suggestion email [e-mail]