'Gas bottles exploding': Huge blaze at recycling centre

Residents have described hearing loud bangs and explosions after a huge industrial fire broke out at a recycling centre.

Essex Fire and Rescue were first called to Hovefields Avenue in Basildon, Essex at 1.15am today (Sep 14) and found warehouses and 15 vehicles fully alight.

Residents reported hearing "loud bangs" from the scene and smoke could be seen billowing across the A127 - while some said they could see it from neighbouring Kent.