Firefighters from Maldon have rescued a man trapped in a van which overturned due to heavy winds caused by Storm Eunice.

The van was tipped over by the wind while travelling on Langford Road in Wickham Bishops earlier today (Friday, 18 February).

A spokesperson for Maldon District Council said: "We're strongly discouraging people from travelling during the storm, but if you do have to, please drive slowly and leave bigger gaps between yourself and other vehicles."

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has been contacted for comment.

A red warning was in place across Maldon from 10am to 3pm today, meaning "flying debris could result in a danger to life".

An amber warning remains in place for the district and across Essex as the storm, one of the worst to hit the UK in decades, causes major disruption.

A fallen tree is currently blocking Wantz Road, while part of the Blue Boar Hotel's roof has collapsed after a chimney stack struck by high winds fell through.

Firefighters worked for around an hour to secure the scene at the hotel by 1.05pm, and dismantled a gazebo in the courtyard which was in "a dangerous position".

Shops across the town have also remained shut today, alongside all local branches of Farleigh Hospice, the vaccination centre at the Maldon District Council offices and the Promenade Petting Zoo.

Waste and recycling collections have also been cancelled for the rest of the day.

The amber warning will remain in place until 9pm this evening.

The Met Office has said there continues to be "a good chance that flying debris could result in danger to life", alongside damage to buildings and homes.

The spokesperson for the district council said: "With the wind expected to reduce this evening, please continue to remain safe and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.

"Our teams will be out over the next few days helping to clear up after Storm Eunice and return services to normal."

You can follow our liveblog here.