Pictures show huge tanker at Sadlers Farm roundabout

These pictures show the giant orange flames and huge plumes of thick black smoke rising above south Essex.

Blaze - The incident - Credit: Connor Graham

Emergency services are at the scene and Essex Fire and Rescue Service has warned motorists to avoid the area if possible as traffic is expected to be affected for "some time".

Witnesses report they can see the huge plumes of smoke from as far away as Southend Pier.

Drone photo by Harry Dowall shows the oil tanker fire at Sadlers Farm

The latest traffic map from the AA shows there are long queues forming on both the A130 and A13.

There is congestion on the A13 eastbound as far back as the Five Bells interchange.

Delays on the A130 is also understood to be affecting parts of the A127.

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

Courtney Christina Andre took this image of the smoke seen from the Pier

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."