Around 160 firefighters have tackled a large fire following an explosion on Friday evening at a plastics factory in Derbyshire.
The fire broke out after an explosion at the Stirling Lloyd factory in New Mills, which is used to manufacture polymer resins for the construction industry. According to the Press Association, nearby residents reported large clouds of black smoke and huge flames visible over rooftops after hearing one large explosion at around 6.45 pm, followed by a series of smaller ones. Dozens of people were evacuated from their homes.
Twelve fire engines, two aerial ladder platforms and a high-volume pump and various support vehicles were used to fight the fire. Crews from Greater Manchester and Cheshire were sent to support Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service.
The fire took 24 hours to bring under control and residents were allowed back into their homes almost 48 hours after the fire broke out.
It is not thought anyone was in the building at the time of the fire and there are no reports of any casualties. Production at the site has been suspended, though the company is making use of contingency plans at alternative sites.
