Fire alarms may not be responded to unless backed by a 999 call during the fire strikes.

Firefighters are carrying out a series of two-hour strikes over pay and pensions.

During these strikes Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said it may not be able to respond to alarms so call 999.

This includes automatic alarms from schools, hospitals and care homes.

Firefighters are angry with Government plans to extend the retirement age for firefighters which they say will put the public in danger forcing those too old to do the job on the frontline to continue.

Strikes are being held every day until Monday.

During the strike between 5pm and 7pm yesterday there were seven emergency incidents including a fire in a park in Clacton and two car fires.

During the strike this morning, between 6am and 8am there were no incidents.

The next strike is between 5pm and 7pm tonight followed by strikes in the morning and evening on tomorrow and Thursday.