Firefighters tackled a diesel spill at a Tour de France park and ride this afternoon.

Fire crews were called by Braintree District Council to an abandoned vehicle leaking chemicals at the Discovery Centre in Great Notley Country Park.

When crews arrived at 12.54pm, they confirmed a Vauxhall Vivro van containing some 2,000 litres of diesel stored in two fuel drums was leaking.

Firefighters used specialist cutting equipment to get into the vehicle to stem the leak and mopped up the fuel using earth and sand to limit the environmental impact.

Police were alerted as the site is being used as the park and ride car park for spectators to the Felsted leg of today's Tour de France and the vehicle was obstructing members of the public leaving the site.

The incident was dealt with by 2.40pm.

Five fire engines from Braintree, Halstead, Chelmsford and Colchester all dealt with the incident.