FOUR fire crews have tackled a van fire on the northbound A12 which closed off the carriageway.

Dozens of passing motorists called the fire brigade at around 1.18pm to report the incident.

A spokesman for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the fire was extinguished by 1.46pm. 

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Officers assisted with traffic control and lane closure while fire crews dealt with the blaze.

"The vehicle was recovered and the road fully opened by 2.45pm."