Emergency services have been called after a "loud explosion" at a port when a roof collapsed.

Essex fire crews were sent to Tilbury Grain Terminal, across the river from Gravesend, just before 10am today.

A huge explosion caused part of a grain terminal’s roof to collapse.

Nearby residents described houses being shaken by the blast, which took place just before 10am.

Aislinn Ladd, 42, who lives along the Thames in Grays, said she was feeding the baby and "suddenly it was huge noise, house shook, windows vibrated”.

“I’ve never experienced anything like it, scared the hell out of me,” she said.

One person was taken to hospital after breathing in smoke, East of England Ambulance Service said.

A spokesperson from the Port of Tilbury said: “We confirm that there has been a major incident at the grain terminal within The Port of Tilbury.

“There have been no injuries reported and the emergency services are in attendance.”

Four engines including two from Grays, and one each from Orsett and Corringham, have been sent to the port.

The Essex fire service said "On arrival, firefighters found a grain in a silo was on fire. Crews made sure the fire was under control but the grain is still smouldering.

"Two crews, from Grays and Orsett, remain at the scene and are working with site managers to remove the unaffected grain from the silo so it does not ignite.

"Firefighters are working with site managers to get the site back up and running and are liaising with Port of Tilbury Police to allow businesses back to their premises at the appropriate time."

Watch manager Dave Bond added: “We’ve now reduced the number of crews needed to two, and these firefighters will continue to remove unaffected grain and allow the grain to smoulder in the top of the grain silo.

“It was a great joint response from the ambulance service, Port of Tilbury Police, fire service and Port to control the incident and stop it from escalating.”

One man, Simon Lloyd, told KentOnline he heard the explosion this morning and it "shook his house".

Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend