Factory fire after explosion

Firefighters have been called to a blaze at a factory in Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire after witnesses reported hearing an explosion.

The fourteen fire crews who are tackling the fire at Abbey Produce unit in Funthams Lane may contain gas cylinders.

Smoke could be seen for miles around the site according to witnesses and residents living nearby have been asked to keep doors and windows closed and roads have been closed as a precaution.

The fire, believed to be within a vegetable processing compound, was reported at 0730 GMT on Monday.

David Urpeth, a Partner at law firm Irwin Mitchell said: "Fires or explosions at large industrial complexes are a hazard not only for workers but for local residents. They also pose a serious risk for emergency services. Anyone injured or affected by this incident should seek legal advice.

"I have significant experience of dealing with industrial accident claims in the aftermath of fires and explosions at such installations."

Mr Urpeth represented over 75 workers and many residents who were injured in the 2001 blast at the Killingholme refinery when over 170 tonnes of liquid petroleum gas caught fire. Conoco-Phillips, who owned the plant, was eventually fined £1m for breaching health and safety regulations after the explosion at its Humber refinery.