A HUGE clean up operation has been launched after rubbish caught fire in the back of a bin lorry.

Waste collectors are sifting through the rubbish by hand after it was dropped out of the lorry on Clarence Road, Rayleigh.

The teams are now sweeping through the rubbish to move it off the road.

The road is completely blocked.

The Echo understands the fire was caused by a faulty battery in the bin lorry.

Echo: On fireOn fire

Residents on Clarence Road, say the dustcart has now gone back to the depot with fire damage.

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A spokesman from Rochford Council, said: "We have been informed the waste truck on the Clarence Road and Leslie Road junction had a contained fire in the rear of the vehicle this morning.

"Fire crews arrived at the scene and the fire was put out.

"Crews are still onsite removing the debris, we ask that you please refrain from taking photographs so the crew can safely proceed to clear up.

"Thank you for your co-operation."

The fire service has been contacted for comment.