Large fire breaks out at Walkers crisp factory in Leicester

Firefighters from across Leicestershire are dealing with the blaze

Crews have dealt with a large fire at a Walkers crisp factory.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said it had received reports the site in Leicester was "filling with smoke" at 10:43 GMT.

Walkers said the fire was on the roof of the building but had been brought under control and crews had left the scene.

Workers were evacuated from the factory but the firm said everybody had since been accounted for.

A Walkers spokesperson said there was a fire on the roof of the building in Beaumont Leys

A Walkers spokesperson said: "Our Bursom Road site in Leicester was safely evacuated this morning due to a fire on the roof of the building.

"The fire has now been put out and the fire brigade has left the site.

"Everybody on site has been accounted for and is safe."

Walkers added a clean-up process was under way in the affected parted of the factory and it was too early to determine the impact on production.

The cause of the fire is being investigated.

There have been reports of empty shelves in some shops across the country

Last month, the manufacturer confirmed supplies of crisps had been disrupted by an IT upgrade.

Nationwide disruption is expected to continue for several more weeks, with empty shelves seen in a number of shops.

The firm said it was prioritising production of its most popular flavours, including ready salted, cheese and onion, salt and vinegar, as well as Quavers and Wotsits.