Dramatic photos show firefighters working hard to extinguish a blaze at a recycling centre in south Essex. 

Crews remain at the scene this evening having first been called to the site in Purdeys Way, Rochford, around 5.10pm. 

In an update at 6.45pm, Essex Fire Service said crews are working with staff at the recycling centre to extinguish the fire in sections.

Echo:

They are using cranes to remove rubbish from the pile. 

Around 100 tonnes of waste is thought to have been affected by the fire. 

Photos from the scene shows thick plumes of dark smoke rising from the site. 

Residents in the area are being urged to keep all windows and doors shut. 

A fire service spokesman said: "Firefighters are currently at the scene of a fire at a recycling centre in Purdeys Way, Rochford.

"If you live nearby, please keep your windows and doors shut as lots of smoke is coming from the scene.

Echo:

"We received 15 calls to a fire at a recycling centre and crews from Southend and Leigh were sent.

"Firefighters are extinguishing the fire in sections.

"This is an ongoing incident and we will provide updates when we can."

Other fire crews from Rochford, Hawkwell and Shoebury have also been sent to the scene.

More to follow