Pollution experts were yesterday investigating any dangers posed to the Essex coast after a collision between a cruise ship and container vessel.

Emergency services were alerted at around 1.15am yesterday after the two vessels collided around 15 miles off the Kent coast in an area of the Channel known as Falls Bank.

Three casualties were evacuated by helicopter from the 2,400-passenger Norwegian Dream which had been returning from Oslo.

They are believed to have suffered only minor injuries.

The 50,000-tonne Bahamas-registered cruise ship docked at Dover after suffering serious damage in the collision.

The liner's bows were heavily crushed in, with a large gash torn in the metal.

Rescue workers became concerned when they discovered a couple of toxic containers being carried by the 52,000-tonne container ship Ever Decent had toppled on to the luxury liner.

Fire continued to blaze in containers on the Ever Decent. Its 25 crew stayed aboard to fight the fire.

Residents in parts of south Essex were warned to stay inside as toxic fumes drifted into the county.

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