A large fire has broken out at an industrial yard close to the A127 in Rayleigh - with black smoke billowing across the busy road. 

The fire has started at an industrial yard which is located in between Daws Heath Road and the A127. 

Firefighters are currently on the scene battling the blaze. 

The smoke is causing visibility issues on the A127, and emergency services have closed one lane of the eastbound carriageway. 

The lane is closed from Rayleigh Weir to Daws Heath Road.

The fire is believed to have started at roughly at 9.30am today. 

Residents have reported seeing thick smoke for miles in multiple directions, with social media users stating they can see the smoke from Shoebury in one direction and as far as Laindon in the other direction. 

A spokesman for Essex Fire said: "We were called to Arterial Road, Rayleigh today at 9.20am.

"Crews from Southend (x2), Leigh, Rayleigh Weir and Corringham attended and found a container and rubbish alight.

"Good progress is being made but this incident is ongoing and updates will be provided when available."