FIREFIGHTERS were called to maltings in Mistley following reports of an “explosion”.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said fire crews were called to food ingredients producer Edme, in High Street, following the reports at about 3.30pm on Thursday.

Firefighters from Colchester and the brigade’s Urban Search and Rescue team worked with crews from Suffolk to investigate the incident.

It is understood the incident was connected with conveyor equipment, which is designed specifically to be released in the eventuality of a build-up of pressure, which resulted in clouds of dust.

A spokesman for the fire service said: "Firefighters worked with colleagues from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service to make a scene safe after an incident with conveyor equipment in Mistley.

"Crews were called to High Street to make sure the scene was safe and to check there wasn’t a fire or hotspots within the machinery.

"Firefighters from Colchester and our Urban Search and Rescue team worked with Ipswich’s crew using an aerial ladder platform to inspect the area using thermal imaging cameras. 

"Crews then worked to dismantle parts of the machinery to make sure the scene was cool by 4.38pm."

Gazette: On scene - Fire crews from Essex and Suffolk worked togetherOn scene - Fire crews from Essex and Suffolk worked together (Image: ECFRS)

Station manager Howard Midwood praised firefighters for their quick work.

 “A big thank you to our colleagues from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service,” he said.
“This was a fantastic team effort which lead to a quick resolution.”

Edme has been based in Mistley's High Street since 1884.

The maltsters produce wholegrain, malted flours, flakes and kibbles, gluten-free flours, seed mixes, and sprouted grains for bakeries, confectioners and for breakfast cereal makers.

Gazette: Scene - fire crews at Edme in Mistley. Picture: ECFRSScene - fire crews at Edme in Mistley. Picture: ECFRS (Image: ECFRS)

In 2020, Anglia Maltings, which owns Edme, was given permission by Tendring Council to develop land at Horsley Cross to create a new purpose-built factory.

It had been expected to cost in the region of £46million and would double the production capacity of the company and support new product development.

A spokesman for the firm said it had declined to comment in relation to the incident.