The gradual process of demolishing Tilbury Power Station entered a new stage today after two units were destroyed in a controlled explosion.

The Tilbury Power Station gained national media attention after its iconic chimney towers came down in a controlled detonation back in September of this year.

But today, at 9am, the plant's precipitator units were demolished following a singluar detonation which took them down in one fell swoop.

The detonation was so loud, that residents living as far as Stanford-le-Hope and Corringham heard it.

Between 12 and 15 people came out in the biting cold to watch from Fort Road as the two buildings were reduced to rubble.

One onlooker, Chris Lyndon, 34, Tilbury, said: "I think it's a shame to see the power station go. My Dad used to work there back in the 80s. It's a part of the area's history."

In the field's surrounding the station were horses, who were mildly startled by the bang.

The two precipitator units are constructed of steel and concrete and are approximately 43m long by 14m wide and 27m high.

The other main structures such as the boiler house are scheduled for explosive demolition in 2018. The complete demolition of the site is expected towards the end of 2018.