There are unconfirmed reports that two people have been set on fire, prompting emergency services to rush to the scene.

Two air ambulances, fire engines and police cars were seen in Boyce Green, Benfleet, this morning.

Police have confirmed that two people were taken to hospital in critical condition.

Echo:

A witness said: "A man walked up to a house in Boyce Green, looking to attack someone, armed with a machete, and ended up finding a woman who he set on fire. He then went into the garden and set himself on fire. They both looked in a very bad way.

“A woman then ran into the street screaming “help, help, someone’s set my mother in law on fire. It was a horrific incident – really shocking.”

Police at the scene told our photographer that the incident is not terrorism related, but they are "having to take precautions".

Credit: Greg Chapman