POLICE traffic officers have shut the Southend-bound section of the A13 at the Dock Approach Road following a serious lorry fire.

The fire, involving a lorry, reportedly started shortly before 6.30pm today (Tuesday 10 November).

Essex Police and the fire service are currently on scene.

A police spokesman said: "The Southend-bound carriageway has been closed and we’d advise motorists to avoid the area.

"Due to the damage caused to the road we anticipate it will stay closed well into tonight and tomorrow morning."

Update 8pm: Essex Fire and Rescue Service

Firefighters were called to assist at the scene of a fire involving a skip lorry on the A13 this evening.

Due to the scale of the fire, the carriageway was closed in both directions to allow firefighters to tackle the fire from both sides of the road.

Crews worked hard to extinguish the fire by 7.18pm. The cause of the fire is unknown.

The road is likely to remain closed for some time.