ESSEX firefighters have been called to several fires since a walkout began at 7am. 

Crews started a 24-hour strike this morning in a row over pensions and retirement age.

At 9.15am crews were called to a road traffic bollard on fire in Southchurch Avenue, Southend.

Then at 9.50am, the ambulance service called firefighters to assist at an incident in Cheshunt Avenue, Buckhurst Hill. Crews made the area safe by 10.26am.

At 9:58am, crews were called to a flat fire in Audley Road, Saffron Walden, the fire was out before the arrival of the fire service.

The fire service says Essex has strong resilience arrangements in place to protect the county with working crews providing cover.

A spokesman said: "Members of the public should continue to dial 999 in an emergency and we will respond. Businesses, just make a note to follow up automatic alarms with a phone call to ensure a response.

"During periods of reduced fire cover, there are ways you can help us to keep you safe and you'll find safety advice here on our website and on our Facebook and Twitter feeds throughout the day. It's important that we are able to direct our resources where they are needed most during the next 24 hours, so please Be Safer, Be Slower, Be Vigilant."