A body has been found at a home in Braintree after reports of a “strong smell of a toxic substance”.

Six fire crews were sent to Tideswell Close at 9.40pm yesterday.

Police and ambulance crews stepped away from the property due to a “strong smell of a toxic substance”.

The body of a man in his 20s was found by firefighters within the home. It is understood a barbecue had been lit inside.

An Essex County Fire & Rescue Service spokesman said an investigation would be carried out to establish the cause of the incident.

Essex Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious and a file would be prepared for the coroner.