A REFUSE lorry caught fire on a Burnham road forcing it to dump its collected waste.

Essex Fire Service were called to Marsh Road in Burnham in the early hours of Monday morning.

A fire service spokesman said: "

“Firefighters from Maldon and South Woodham Ferrers were called to reports that a refuse lorry was alight in Marsh Road, Burnham at 6.36am on Monday.

“Crews were able to gain access to the lorry and empty its waste content, before extinguishing it by 7.41am.

"The fire was caused accidentally.”

The mountain of old cardboard boxes, bin bags and other plastic and rubbish was spotted by residents after the lorry had been moved.

Alan Tyler, who lives on Marsh Road, said: “I saw the massive mound driving into Burnham, who knows who had the capacity to drop all of it there.

“It looks like an accident with a collection lorry."

Belinda Allen added: “This massive mound of pure rubbish has just been left completely. Surely this is not right.”

A spokesman for Maldon District Council said arrangements have been made “for this to be investigated and removed without delay”.

Anyone who spots flytipping can call Maldon District Council on 01621854477 to report it. To find out more visit www.maldon.gov.uk.