LARGE plumes of smoke have been seen across south Essex since the early hours as crews are battling a huge blaze next to the A127.

 Firefighters are on the scene in Hovefields Avenue, Basildon, as a fire broke out at a recycling centre on Burnt Mills industrial estate before 2am today.

Crews found warehouses and about 15 vehicles fully alight.

A huge plume of smoke seen from RayleighA huge plume of smoke seen from Rayleigh (Image: Cheryl McGibbon)

Photos and video shows smoke has been seen across south Essex and even further afield in mid Essex in Heybridge.

One X - formerly Twitter - user could even see the smoke as far as Kent.

Twelve fire crews from all corners of the south of the county are on the scene making "good progress" to get the fire under control this morning, with two aerial ladder platforms also at the blaze.

Group Manager Dave Bond said: "Residents and motorists in the area will see large plumes of smoke over the next few hours as crews continue to extinguish the fire.

"Please keep your doors and windows closed. Take extra care on the roads, but avoid the area if you can."