A BUSY road in south Essex is closed due to reports of a fuel tanker on fire.

The A130 Canvey Way is closed at Sadlers Farm due to the fuel tanker fire, according to Essex Travel News.

Emergency services have been contacted for comment.

Helen Davis, who is currently stuck in traffic at Sadlers Farm, said: "I am stuck in the traffic along the roundabout now, it is completely on fire now, I didn't see it catch fire, but it is now completely alight.

"There are from what I can see five fire engines at the location currently, and police are starting to turn us around, I'm on the old a13 approach to the Saddlers Roundabout, as they are closing roads."

Follow our live blog on the incident >>> LIVE: Updates as police close A130 after oil tanker bursts into flames

Essex Fire and Rescue Service has warned traffic may be affected for "some time".

In a statement on Facebook, a spokesman said: "We're on the scene of a vehicle fire involving a fuel tanker on Canvey Way / Saddlers Farm.

"The road is closed as a precaution while our crews work to extinguish the fire.

"We anticipate traffic will be affected for some time; please find an alternative route if possible."

We'll bring you updates as we get them.