Roads closed and trains into London disrupted due to huge tyre fire in Essex

A huge tyre fire closed roads and caused disruption on the railways into London this morning.

Smoke was causing visibility problems after emergency services were called to the blaze in Essex at around 9pm on Monday.

Essex Police said the A1245 was closed in both directions and is likely to remain shut for most of the day after the fire near the Fairglen interchange off the A1245 and A127 junction of the A130.

Train services on the nearby Southend Victoria to London Liverpool Street line are also not running between Rayleigh and Wickford due to the smoke.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "Motorists and commuters are advised to seek alternative routes for their morning travel arrangements and leave extra time for their journeys."

Essex Fire and Rescue Service said crews were still at the scene at about 6.30am.

Public Health England warned residents to stay inside to avoid smoke inhallation. People with health conditions like asthma, lung problems or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder should be especially cautious, a statement added.

Divisional officer Gary Jeffrey said attempts to extinguish the blaze had been complicated by the fact that the tyres were densely packed, making it difficult to get water to the flames, so special foam had to be used.

He added: "The foam attack was successful in knocking the flames back but the fire continues to burn deep within the pile.

"We are now using water to cool the pile and protect surrounding risks.

"We hope to get some heavy plant machinery in to start breaking the pile up later to give us better access to extinguish the fire."