FIREFIGHTERS tackled a large blaze at a scrapyard at Weeley.

Four fire engines tackled the fire, which broke out at 11.10am today near the railway station with one man injured.

The brigade said a number of vehicles were on fire and the railway line had to be closed.

Appliances from Clacton, Weeley and Frinton were sent to the scene.

Firefighting operations were hindered by power lines close to the scene and crews had to wait for the arrival of a railway incident officer to confirm the power lines have been isolated.

By 12.30pm crews were using a hose to put out the flames and operations were scaled back by 1pm.

Assistant Divisional Officer Darren Fearn said: "We have the fire under control although it is not fully extinguished.

"We are waiting for a permit to work close to the railway line and then crews will be able to get close to the lines to put the fire out.

"The fire generated thick black smoke in the area and we have advised neighbouring houses and the local St Andrew's School to keep windows closed and not to go outside.

"The smoke has died down now as the fire comes under control.

"All credit should go to the first crews arriving at the scene who made a swift request for additional resources and then worked quickly to prevent spread to other vehicles on the site.

"It gave us a good chance to get things under control quickly.

"Early indications are that the fire was started accidentally."

Greater Anglia Railway says lines were closed for safety reasons.

Clacton to Walton services have been suspended while safety checks are made. Replacement buses are being run until further notice.