Cars have been stuck in gridlock after a lorry on fire shut down the A127 leading up to Upminster.

Smoke could be seen rising from the eastbound carriageway on the A127 near to Basildon yesterday (November 14).

The road was closed off between the Great Warley turn and up to Childerditch Lane, with it having a knock-on effect as congestion stretched from Essex to Upminster.

Smoke rising on the A127Smoke rising on the A127 (Image: Mel Brannon)

There were severe delays on the M25 and the A127 as the blaze was dealt with.

Firefighters were on the scene to tackle the fire as onlooking drivers watched on from a standstill.

A Essex County Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "Firefighters were called to an incident at 1.55pm between A127 M25 Junction 29 to Horndon and A128 Junction 14 Eastbound.

"On arrival crews confirmed it was one large heavy goods vehicle which was alight.

"Firefighters extinguished the fire and made the scene safe by 2.43pm."