Maldon residents are among those being urged not to hoard petrol and to store any containers they do have safely and securely, after a weekend of panic buying at local stations by motorists.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has issued a safety warning to residents as many have been stocking up on fuel amid fears that it might run out - even though the Government has said that there is no shortage.

Rather, issues people are encountering at petrol stations come from a lack of HGV drivers to distribute petrol - not from a lack of fuel itself.

The fire service is now urging residents not to panic buy, and has said that hoarding petrol could result in fires due to it being stored incorrectly in homes and domestic garages.

The warning follows reports that motorists are filling jerry cans and other containers as well as their fuel tanks.

Will Newman, head of prevention at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We urge the public against the storing of petrol and diesel due to their high flammability.

"Because of the fire risks they should be stored in approved containers, in a well-ventilated area, and never inside the home.

"Petrol is not only highly flammable but is extremely corrosive and if not stored in suitable containers it could wear away the container, causing leaks.

"It should be stored in a well-ventilated place and away from any source of ignition such as electrical equipment or heaters."

Under UK law, only 30 litres of petrol can be stored at home or at non-workplace premises without having to inform the local Petroleum Enforcement Authority (PEA).

The legislation allows you to store petrol in the following containers:

- Plastic containers storing up to 10 litres

- Demountable fuel tank up to 30 litres

You can view the full advice from the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service via the link here.

The service is also reassuring residents that it has enough fuel supplies to run all emergency vehicles across the county.

Will said: "As always, if you need us in an emergency, we will be there for you."