Haystack fire sparks smoke warning in village

Firefighters have warned people to shut their windows due to smoke billowing from a large haystack fire.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service was called to the blaze in Latchingdon, near Maldon, earlier.

Watch manager Gary Bannister said crews were overseeing a "controlled burn" of the haystack as the safest course of action.

"If you are in the nearby area please keep all your windows and doors shut as there is a lot of smoke coming from the site," he said.

Firefighters were called to Butterfield Chase at 12:39 BST, the service said.

Mr Bannister added that the scene would be handed back to its owner later in the afternoon.

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email [email protected] or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830