AN “explosion” was heard by residents following a “car fire” in a caravan park.

Residents across Rochford described hearing a “massive bang” which “shook their homes” on Wednesday evening.

Eyewitnesses said a car had been set alight at the Dome Village, a caravan park in Lower Road, Hullbridge.

One man was reportedly seen exiting the vehicle while it was on fire, but he was later found safe and taken to hospital.

A helicopter was also spotted “circling” the area, as police, fire, and ambulance crews rushed to the scene.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “We were called to reports of a vehicle fire at a caravan park, shortly after 5.20pm.

“It was reported a person had been inside the vehicle at the time of the fire but had since exited the vehicle and left the scene.

“Due to concerns for his welfare, officers attended and, together with ambulance service colleagues, located the individual nearby.

“He was taken to hospital for treatment for injuries, which are thankfully not life-threatening or life changing.”

An Essex Fire Service spokesperson added: “The fire was out as firefighters arrived. Crews worked to make the scene safe.”