A MAJOR Essex road was brought to a standstill this morning after a horse box burst in to flames.

Essex Police and fire teams were called to the A12 between Kelvedon and Marks Tey at around 8.15am.

Fire teams worked to put out the blaze and were forced to isolate some gas canisters close to the flames.

Fortunately, it is believe no one was hurt and any horses survived.

The incident caused heavy traffic delays with both carriageways being closed for a number of hours.

Between 9am and 10am, Essex Police reopened the southbound carriageway and one lane of the northbound carriageway.

An hour later, both carriageways were reopened fully.

An Essex County Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "Firefighters were called to a vehicle fire on the A12 at Kelvedon at 8:15am.

"On arrival, crews reported that a large horse box was 50 per cent alight and worked to isolate gas cylinders.

"The fire was extinguished by 8:48am."