Tilbury docks ship fire started by scrap metal

Tonnes of scrap metal caught fire at the ship in Tilbury Docks

A large fire broke out on a ship at the docks after 5,000 tonnes of scrap metal started burning.

Crews were called to the vessel in Tilbury Docks, Essex at 17:43 GMT on Wednesday.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said the fire was contained to the ship's hold.

It said it worked alongside the ship's crew to extinguish the fire "in sections" and remove metal from the hold.

Two crews remained at the scene to cool it down and "monitor hotspots".

Group manager Mark Eaglestone said: "A big thank you to the ship's crew and site staff who remained on scene, helping us to extinguish this fire as quickly as possible."