A particle level simulation model is proposed for investigating the effects of elongated particles on the microstructure and field-induced flow response in electrorheological fluids. The particles are modelled as a collection of spherical subunits joined by Hookean-type connectors, which enables the modelling of the particle motion through the Newtonian carrier liquid. Electrostatic polarisation of each particle leads to a torque, as well as interaction forces between the particles. The simulation results show a stress-strain response that demonstrates the yielding behaviour reported in electrorheological systems. The microstructural changes in the system are studied via a description of the orientational stress distribution in the system. The stress contribution arising from rotational effects is shown to be dependant on the average orientation vector of the particles at the commencement of the shearing.