A herd of cattle has been evacuated from a north Essex barn after a fire broke out, engulfing the building in flames.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service was called to a blaze in Badley Hall Road, Great Bromley, just after 3.45pm today.

Two crews from Colchester and one from Manningtree arrived to find the barn full of hay and completely alight.

“All cows have been evacuated to safety,” a spokesman added.

“Crews are working alongside the farm’s tractor to remove hay from the barn.”

Firefighters extinguished the fire by 6.30pm.

“An investigation will take place to determine the cause of the fire,” a spokesman added.