Firefighters rescued a man after a six-hour rescue mission as he became trapped in a trench while doing building work.

The man was doing building work in Thorndon Park Drive, Leigh, when he fell into 8ft deep footings.

Firefighters from Rayleigh Weir, Rochford, Brentwood and Essex Fire and Rescue Servie's Urban Search and Rescue team attended at 11.36am this morning (October 12).

They used air bags to stabilise the ground around him, dug a "relief trench" to distribute the weight and were eventually able to dig him out.

Despite being cold and uncomfortable, he was conscious and breathing. 

Station Manager Rick Williams said: "Due to the risk of movement from the ground, crews used hand tools to get to the casualty, this was all carried out in close consultation with the ambulance and the air ambulance crew. 

"After six long hours, I want to say thank you to all of the emergency services teams, the firefighters and the Urban Search and Rescue team for their hard work in making sure the rescue came to a safe conclusion.

"Luckily the man did not sustain any injuries." 

Residents reported about 11 emergency vehicles were in the street as Belfairs ward councillor Stephen Aylen said the road was "blocked solid" with fire engines, ambulances and police cars.