Fire crews extinguishing hotspots at explosion site

Emergency services were called to Groundwell Industrial Estate on Wednesday night

Fire crews are continuing to extinguish the remaining hotspots following an explosion that caused a huge blaze at a warehouse.

Emergency services were called to Groundwell Industrial Estate on Crompton Road in Swindon, Wiltshire, at about 19:30 BST on Wednesday. At the height of the incident, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue (DWFRS) said it had 12 fire engines at the scene, along with other specialist vehicles.

The fire service confirmed its stop came in at 00:29 BST, but further inspections are being carried out this morning.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is under way. Emergency services confirmed that nobody was hurt in the incident.

Nearby buildings were evacuated quickly after the fire broke out.

DWFRS station manager Robbie MacPherson said the prompt response from crews prevented the flames from spreading to adjoining properties.

In a statement released on Thursday, DWFRS said there was "low risk" of asbestos from the explosion, but anybody with respiratory conditions was advised to keep their windows and doors closed due to the amount of smoke in the area.

As a precautionary measure, DWFRS also advised residents to avoid touching any debris and to instead report any that had landed on private property or surrounding land to Swindon Borough Council.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is under way

Clare Allen is a courier who delivers in the area.

She said she was "shocked" to learn that the explosion took place at the industrial estate.

Ms Allen, like many other people in Swindon at the time, heard the explosion while she was at her workbase in the Orbital.

The damage at the scene of the explosion

She said the damage, which included debris and many smashed windows, was "devastating" to see.

"I can't believe it, it must have been the force and the power of the explosion," she said.

The building at the site of the explosion was being used by a printing business called ESP Smile, the BBC confirmed by verifying video footage of the aftermath.

The company has been approached for comment.