Field fire

Update 5.15pm

Group Manager Dan Wastell said:

"Firefighters have gained access to the area and have done a great job in surrounding the fire, which is now under control. Crews are tackling the fire from the ground and we are also using a drone to monitor the area from above.

"We expect to remain on scene for another hour or so to make sure the fire is fully extinguished and the area is safe."

Once it is safe to do so, officers will carry out an investigation into the cause of the fire.

We are currently at the scene of a field fire in Colchester.

Our control officers have received over 45 calls to the incident, as smoke can be seen across the city.

Firefighters are currently facing challenging access conditions and are using a drone to help identify the best access points.