A CAR burst into flames in the middle of the street, sparking traffic chaos for drivers. 

Emergency services descended on Lower Road, Hullbridge, shortly after 4.40pm on Monday to reports that a car was on fire. 

Firefighters from Rayleigh fire station worked to extinguish the fire by 5pm, and stayed on site until just after 5.30pm to ensure the area was safe. 

The fire has been recorded as "accidental" at this stage. 

A spokesman for Essex Fire said: "We were called to Lower Road, Hullbridge on Monday (14 November) at 4.42pm.

"A crew from Rayleigh attended and extinguished the fire by 4.54pm.

"They remained until 5.39pm when it was safe to hand over the scene to Essex Police.

"The cause has been recorded as accidental."