An investigation has been launched after a barn caught fire last night.

Five fire engine crews from Loughton, Ongar, Waltham Abbey, Epping and Brentwood were called to the burning structure in Ongar Road, Abridge at 7.10pm.

The building which measured 80 metres by 100 metres, was 100% alight.

At 8.20pm the Incident Commander reported that the blaze was under control and firefighters were making good process by tackling it from the outside.

At 8.45pm the main fire was put out and firefighters would remain on site throughout the evening to tackle hotspots and smouldering straw.

The barn was reported to be unstable firefighters continued to tackle the flames externally.