Twinwoods business park fire engulfs polystyrene factory

A blaze has engulfed a polystyrene factory on a business park, causing nearby workers to flee the area.

The fire at the Twinwoods Business Park in Milton Ernest, ripped through a four-storey building and two others, sending thick, black smoke across the Bedfordshire sky.

Matthew Smith, who was evacuated from his work close by, said they "ran out the area as quickly as we could, because it looked very dangerous".

Roads have been closed in the area.

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue said 80% of a four-storey building was engulfed

Thick smoke could be seen for miles

Mr Smith said: "I could see huge amounts of smoke coming out the building.

"There was smoke - black, thick - and then we could hear a few explosions, as someone said there are gas canisters in the building."

Bedfordshire Fire said "all people have been accounted for" and advised people to avoid the area.

Sixty firefighters were trying to bring the flames under control, the fire service said.

Fire crews from Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire and Oxfordshire are at the scene.

The business park backs on to the Yarl's Wood Immigration Removal Centre.

Bedfordshire Police said Thurleigh Road and Bletsoe Road were closed.

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