People are being reminded to take extra care tonight as firefighters in Suffolk and Essex go on strike in a national row over pensions.

The strike is due to take place between 7pm and midnight today and there is also further action planned New Year’s Eve and January 3.

Suffolk’s chief fire officer, Mark Hardingham, said: “As with the previous six strikes we will be implementing our contingency arrangements to deliver a reduced service over the strike periods.

“Our aim is to continue to protect the people who live, work and visit Suffolk. I very much hope that the government and FBU are able to resolve this dispute soon in order that the Service can return to business as usual.”