Maryport turf fire closes roads and stops trains

BBC reporter Megan Paterson said the smoke could be seen for 30 miles

A large fire has closed roads, halted trains and cut electricity supplies.

It started on an industrial estate near Maryport, Cumbria at a company which makes artificial turf for sports grounds.

More than eight fire appliances and an aerial ladder platform were sent to SIS Pitches on Glasson Industrial Estate.

Managing director Gerard Knight said it was not clear what happened but it was "devastating" as the company had been "busier than ever".

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service said crews could be fighting the blaze throughout the night.

The fire started in an area where yarn and other materials for making synthetic turf are stored

Emergency services were called just after 13:30 BST.

Huge plumes of black smoke have been visible up to 30 miles away, BBC reporter Megan Paterson said.

The nearby A596 was closed and Network Rail said services running near the industrial estate were suspended between Maryport and Workington.

Many Northern services on the Cumbria Coast line between Barrow and Carlisle were also cancelled.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service said they could be there throughout the night

People were advised by police to avoid the area and some properties were evacuated.

Electricity North West said, at its height, more than 700 properties had lost power because of the fire.

Most have now had supplies restored.

A number of properties nearby lost power because of the fire

People living nearby have been advised to keep their windows closed