Air ambulances, fire engines and police have been called to a large explosion at an industrial estate in Surrey, after they received a call at 11.23am GMT reporting a major fire in the area.
All workers on Hobbs Industrial Estate in Newchapel, near Lingfield were evacuated and eight people have been taken to hospital to be treated for injuries, according to Surrey air ambulance. NHS services are reportedly "responding well."
Emergency services arrived to find a "serious and escalating fire" according a statement from Surrey Fire & Rescue Service, Surrey Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service.
Witness Natalie Dugale told Sky News “we felt the whole place shake with a loud boom and then we saw black smoke billowing out.” Fires are still raging at the scene.
There is a chemical plant next door although Dugale said that fire officers told her the explosion was caused by recycled printer toner, close to gas canisters which are kept on site.
"In total 12 fire engines, one aerial ladder platform and three water carriers were sent." reported a joint statement from Surrey Fire & Rescue Service, Surrey Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service
"Crews are currently working to protect the surrounding premises and are using foam and water to bring the fire under control"
The statement warned anybody who lives nearby to close their windows. The police are asking that members of the public stay away from the area for the rest of the day.