A WOMAN was cut free from the wreckage of a car during today's strike action.

The accident happened in Frating just before 12.45pm.

Working fire crews used specialist cutting equipment to release the victim, who was freed just after 1.30pm.

She was treated by paramedics.

Striking firefighters walked out at midday as they staged a five-hour protest against what the Fire Brigades Union has described as a "government attack" on pensions and cuts to the fire and rescue service.

The Essex brigade said it had "robust" resilience arrangements in place to ensure fire cover was maintained throughout the industrial action action.

There were five incidents across Essex this afternoon - none of them major.

Two more national strikes are planned over the weekend.

A 12-hour walkout is due to start at 2pm tomorrow, with a third strike between 10am and 3pm on Sunday.