FIRE crews were called to Parkeston's Petrochem Carless refinery after leaking oil caused a fire.

Seven crews from Dovercourt, Manningtree, Maldon, Colchester, Weeley and the aerial ladder platform from Chelmsford were called to the oil refinery, in Refinery Road, at 9.30am.

A spokesman for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said hot oil was leaking from a valve and ignited in the atmosphere.

Crews identified the faulty valve and made it safe. They also used breathing apparatus and one hose reel to tackle the flames.

The incident was dealt with by 10.15am.