Essex fire attend large barn blaze

Essex fire crews have attended a large barn fire in Little Totham.

They found the barn was around 50% alight.

Six horses, which were in the stable at the time, were led to safety and unharmed.

Essex fire provided this update:

"On arrival, crews confirmed that the barn was around 50% alight. The barn, which measures approximately 40 metres by 20 metres, contained roughly 50 tonnes of baled straw as well as agricultural machinery.

"The fire was surrounded by 8.45pm. Crews managed to prevent it spreading to a nearby stable building. Six horses, which were in the stable at the time, were led to safety and unharmed.

"Firefighters were continuing to tackle the fire at 9.30pm. The fire is still surrounded, but due to the amount of straw and materials inside the premises, we expect this to be a protracted incident and crews expect to be at the scene for some time. Please avoid the area."