An eye-witness has told how a taxi burst into flames in the car park of Halstead Co-Op this morning (May 18).

East Anglian Daily Times: A car caught fire outside Halstead Co-op. Picture: SUBMITTEDA car caught fire outside Halstead Co-op. Picture: SUBMITTED (Image: Archant)

The fire started shortly before 11.30am, with firefighters from Essex Fire and Rescue sent to the scene.

Two crews from Halstead were called to the vehicle fire in Factory Lane. Firefighters worked to extinguish the fire by just after midday.

The cause has been recorded as accidental and the car has been completely destroyed.

An onlooker, who asked not to be named, said: “I just couldn’t believe it. Smoke just started billowing out of the bonnet of this taxi.

“Some bloke was using a tiny fire extinguisher and he couldn’t put it out.

“People just started panicking and moving their cars.

“I’m just glad firefighters turned up in time otherwise the whole place could’ve gone up like a firework.

“I dread to think of the damage that would’ve caused.”