Leamington Spa fire: One person missing as huge plume of smoke rises from blaze

27 August 2021, 14:40 | Updated: 27 August 2021, 20:27

Smoke billows from fire in Leamington Spa

One person is still missing after a fire broke out in Leamington Spa, with a huge plume of smoke rising from the site of the blaze.

Warwickshire Police said that they were "working hard to locate them".

"As it stands at this moment in time there is one person unaccounted for," said Superintendent Mike Smith from Warwickshire Police on Friday evening.

"That person works at the premises that has been on fire today.

"We do not know at this moment in time what has happened to that person."

He confirmed that all other people at the premises were "currently accounted for".

He also reiterated advice to locals, saying: "There has been a very large smoke cloud over Leamington Spa today.

"We have evacuated everyone within 100 metres of the fire and our advice currently, based on the advice of Public Health England and the fire service, is that everyone within 500 metres of the fire should continue to remain indoors, to close their windows, close their doors, whilst we establish what exactly has happened here earlier today."

Police give update on Leamington Spa fire

Emergency services have been attending the fire at a premises on Juno Drive, Leamington.

Road closures are currently in place and people have been asked to keep windows and doors closed.

Pictures from the scene appear to show the blaze at a warehouse site.

Warwickshire County Council confirmed that it was not the newly opened 'megalab' - Rosalind Franklin Laboratory - which was the latest to join the NHS Test and Trace network of laboratories.

"It is an industrial premise," a spokesperson said.

Leamington Spa Fire

Public Health England told people to "stay indoors and keep doors/windows closed."

They tweeted: "Any smoke can be an irritant. If people are outdoors near the fire in Leamington Spa they should avoid/limit time spent in areas affected by smoke/ash.

"Substances in smoke can worsen health problems like asthma & heart conditions so people should carry their medication if near."

Leamington Spa Fire with smoke visible for miles

Locals have captured the cloud of smoke engulfing the area as the fire service attempt to tackle the blaze.

Warwickshire Fire Service have said: "You'll be aware that this is a live incident and our crews are in attendance.

"The location is Juno Drive and it is an industrial/commercial fire.

"This is an industrial premise approx. 50m x 30m well alight. We have multiple appliances in attendance.

"We'll send you more updates as we get the information from fire control who are busy dealing with the incident."

They have also tweeted that people should remain 70 metres away from the incident.

Multiple Twitter users have reported hearing explosions from as far as half a mile away, with helicopters circling the area near the train station.

Leader of Warwick District Council (WDC) Andrew Day said the response to the "major incident" was "being led by 'Blue Light' services, but the WDC team are on standby to support".

"It is important to stay away from the area," he added.

Police have begun evacuating residents close to the fire, reiterating the fact people should be keeping their distance.

Meanwhile, West Midlands Ambulance Service have two paramedic officers at the scene.

The Hazardous Area Response Team are also in the town to assist emergency services.

Even from as far as seven miles out, the smoke continues to fill the skies for people in Warwickshire.

People travelling through the area have also captured the swarms of black smoke, with flames visible from trains going past.

There could be further disruptions as the smoke has also made its way to the M40.

Another user said the fires were "getting worse" saying: "You can feel the heat on you from about half a mile away."

The environment agency said its officers were "working to support this emergency response and to minimise any pollution impacts".

"Please follow all instructions from the on-scene emergency services," they said.

MP for Warwick and Leamington Matt Western said: "Leamington has been shaken to its core by the serious fire in Juno Drive near Tachbrook Park Industrial Estate.

"The scale of the fire is staggering.

"I’ve spoken with police and fire chiefs who are keeping me informed.

"I’m told Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service has deployed a dozen fire tenders and crews - and chiefs are confident that they can contain the fire.

"It is extremely worrying for our community and I am concerned for employees who were on site.

"I want to thank the emergency services for their professionalism and bravery - and residents for their adherence to guidance.

"It is very important to keep at least 70 metres away from the scene and please close doors and windows if you near the area.

"Avoid breathing in any smoke and stay indoors."