Recycling centre fire out after seven hours

Firefighters spent seven hours putting out a large fire at an industrial site two months after another blaze took hold there.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue was called to National Metal Centre, in Cadwell Lane, Hitchin, at 23:50 GMT on Wednesday and the blaze was out by 06:50, it said.

Seven crews were sent to the scene and found a "large pile of scrap metal well alight".

Residents in the area were asked to keep their windows closed due to the presence of toxic fumes.

"Firefighters made steady progress fighting the fire throughout the night, assisted by site staff".

Two fire engines have remained at the scene to dampen down hotspots.

On 11 December crews spent several hours putting out another blaze at the site.