Firefighters tackled a haystack blaze in St Osyth this afternoon which forced cattle to be evacuated from a nearby barn.

East Anglian Daily Times: Fire crews were called to a haystack blaze at a farm in Beach Road, St Osyth. Picture: JOHN SMITHFire crews were called to a haystack blaze at a farm in Beach Road, St Osyth. Picture: JOHN SMITH (Image: Archant)

Four fire crews – two from Clacton and one from Frinton and Weeley – were called to the fire on Beach Road around 1.10pm.

On arrival, firefighters found a field, measuring around 20 square metres, completely alight.

The crews worked to protect surrounding buildings from the blaze and assisted in the safe evacuation of cattle from a nearby barn.

A mechanical digger was also used by a farmer to support firefighters in preventing the fire spreading.

A spokesman for Essex Fire and Rescue Service said crews left the scene at 4pm after ensuring the fire was well under control.

The spokesman added that the cause of the blaze has been recorded as undetermined.

The village of St Osyth is located around five miles west of Clacton and 12 miles southeast of Colchester.