Fire crews and police closed a busy road after huge trees caught on fire.

The emergency services attended the incident in Layer Road, Colchester near the children's playground at about 2pm this morning.

Witnesses said huge flames covered the trees.

Susan Crump, 57, of Layer Road, Colchester said: "I got up in the night as we have a puppy and noticed the blue flashing lights and thought something was going on but the lights didn't fade or move away. I looked to the right and saw the police had blocked the road and flames where the trees are.

"Then more police arrived and a fire engine came too. I looked like the trees were well alight but today it doesn't like the trees are too badly damaged. They are pine-type of trees so the fire was smokey and crackling."

Essex Fire Service has been contacted for comment.