Firefighters tackle blaze at terraced homes

Firefighters have spent the night battling a blaze at a row of terraced houses.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service was called to homes near Rookyards, in Basildon, at 19:22 BST on Sunday.

The fire had spread to "a number of roofs", a spokesperson said.

Incident commander Justin Mackerness said it was under control by 21:50 but part of the terrace remained alight.

He said crews would continue to deal with the incident "into the night".

A full fire investigation will be carried out later, the fire service said.

People living nearby were told to keep windows and doors shut.

Do you have a story suggestion for Essex? Contact us below.

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.