AWE in court over 2010 Aldermaston site fire

Workers and residents near the Aldermaston site were evacuated after the fire in August 2010

The Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) has appeared in court over a fire at its Berkshire site in 2010.

Reading magistrates heard the company faces three charges brought by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in connection with the fire.

Ashley Emery, 29, from Basingstoke, Hampshire, burnt his left arm and face at the company's Aldermaston base on 3 August 2010.

The case was adjourned for a hearing at Reading Crown Court next March.

The fire happened in a building on the Aldermaston site where explosives were housed.

Some workers and residents were put up in hotels in Aldermaston and Basingstoke overnight in the aftermath.

An investigation by the HSE found issues with the control systems put in place.

AWE is charged with failing to ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of its employees, failing to take appropriate measures to limit the extent of fire or explosion regarding the storage of explosives and failing to ensure suitable personal protective equipment was provided to its employees.

A plea and case management hearing has been arranged for Reading Crown Court on 11 March.