A ‘serious’ explosion at a Hotpoint factory is tearing through trailers in an industrial park in Peterborough.

Around two dozen firefighters and eight fire engines are currently tackling the huge blaze engulfing the back of the washing machine factory, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service said.

Clouds of thick black smoke can be seen billowing over the city, while several trailer units have been set on fire at the industrial park in the Woodston area of the city.

A Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Services spokeswoman told Cambridgeshire Live: ‘All we know at the moment it’s [a] big incident, at Hotpoint warehouse, Shrewsbury Avenue in Peterborough.

‘We’ve got lots of fire engines there and it is something serious.’

Witnesses said on social media that they heard a series of explosions early evening.

A spokeswoman said fire services were called at 6.57pm and so far there have been no reports of any injuries.

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service tweeted earlier: ‘A number of crews are dealing with a large fire on Shrewsbury Avenue, Peterborough.

‘Please avoid the area.’

Peterborough police asked people to stay clear of the area and warned that road closures may be put in place.

The building is owned by Whirlpool – a kitchen appliances company.

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