'Risk of serious injury' at nuclear plant site

Hinkley Point C is one of the biggest construction projects in Europe

There is a "risk of serious injury" at the first nuclear plant to be built in Britain for 30 years after regulators identified "inadequate fire controls".

Inspections served civil engineering firm Bylor JV, which is run by both Laing O'Rourke and Bouygues Travaux Publics, with a fire safety notice for its work at Hinkley Point C in Somerset.

The Office for Nuclear Regulation(ONR) said the company "did not meet the standards we require, particularly given the scale and complexity of the ongoing construction work".

Bosses now have until June 2026 to make the necessary changes. The BBC has reached out to Bylor JV for a response.

The ONR also said there was a "lack of an adequate emergency lighting system" at the site too, but added there had been no consequences to the staff, public or environment.

Inspectors added there was a "potential for harm and risk of serious injury".

A spokesperson for Hinkley Point C said: "We are working closely with our main civil contractors, Bylor, to ensure that the appropriate enhancements are made to address the matters identified by the regulator.

"Safety is our overriding priority, and we are already acting to oversee improvements."

EDF, the energy firm behind the project, has previously said the site is projected to open in 2031, which is five years later than originally planned.