Two men were taken to hospital and a country road was closed following a chemical flytip.

Six 25-litre drums of an unknown crystalised chemical substance were found dumped in a lay-by in Brick Kiln Hill off Yeldham Road, Castle Hedingham.

The scene was attended by two members of Braintree Council’s clean team aged 40 and 50, who had to be taken to Colchester General Hospital as a precautionary measure after inhaling fumes.

Alan Whitehead, ambulance manager, said: "The two men were in the process of cleaning up the area when they came across the chemicals, which are believed to be a type of fertilizer.

"They inhaled some of the substance and began suffering from irritation to their eyes, throat and chest.

"Fortunately, it looks like the patients have not suffered any serious ill effects, and hopefully they'll be able to go home soon."

A nearby resident said: “It’s just a mess.

“There is a history of flytipping in that area. It causes a lot of trouble for the police and the people who have to clear the stuff away.”