A south Essex road has been closed this afternoon after reports a lorry has crashed into a home.

London Road in Purfleet is closed in both directions between Tank Hill Road and the Stonehouse Corner roundabout.

According to Essex County Council's traffic control, this is as a lorry has crashed into a house.

Firefighters are on the scene of the "serious" crash and have confirmed one heavy goods vehicle left the road and collided with nearby properties.

An Essex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "Due to the nature of this incident, we expect to be on the scene for some time making the area safe alongside police and ambulance colleagues.

"Please avoid the area and take an alternative route if you are travelling nearby - the road is likely to be closed for some time."

Traffic is slow moving along the road.

This is a breaking news story, more to follow