26,000 litres of petrol spilt on road

The Environment Agency is trying to clear up the spilt petrol

Shops and restaurants near the Vauxhall roundabout in Thurrock were evacuated on Friday after a petrol tanker split its sides following an accident.

Three engines from Essex Fire and Rescue had to contain the 26,000 litres of petrol in a lagoon.

They had failed to stop it leaking from the vehicle.

The Environment Agency was working to clear up the spillage.

Mark Samuel, Assistant Divisional Fire Officer for Grays said there was no danger to the public.

"There are some low-lying pools of product which create a flammable risk.

"However, as there are no ignition sources and people have been removed, there are no actual human problems."