The fire service was called to the printer at 6.52 this morning to deal with a blaze that started in the press hall.

According to a spokesman for the fire brigade, it was completely extinguished by just after nine and the last officer left shortly before 10.30.

One source said that the fire started when a roller bearing seized. However the company said that a definitive source had yet to be determined and this was most likely not the case.

The site is now operating as normal, with the exception of the affected press, which is currently being investigated by Manroland engineers.

Nobody was hurt during the incident.

Fire officers from Maldon, Tiptree, South Woodham Ferrers and Basildon attended the incident. Firefighters had to use breathing apparatus to deal with the fire, alongside hose reel jets and a positive pressure ventilation unit, which was used to blow smoke out of the building after the fire.

CORRECTION: this report has been updated as it originally referred to three presses as being affected rather than one.