Slough industrial estate rocked by explosion

An explosion occurred on an industrial estate today, police said.

The incident happened in Eastbourne Road, Slough, Berkshire, shortly after 10am.

A spokeswoman for Thames Valley Police said it was believed to be a chemical explosion but the force was awaiting further details.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service was called at 10am to reports of the explosion at Duco International, a manufacturing company for the printing industry.

A service spokeswoman said three fire crews attended the fire in a compound.

The fire service later sent a further three crews to the industrial estate.

A spokeswoman said: "The fire was in a building 100 metres by 80 metres and our crews are firefighting at the moment."

Ambulance crews also attended the scene but it was not clear if anyone was injured.

The Slough Trading Estate, where the explosion happened, was made famous as the set of The Office, the comedy television series starring Ricky Gervais.

A statement by Thames Valley Police said: "We are not aware of there being any casualties at this time.

"The explosion was followed by a fire.

"The area has been cordoned off and road closures are in place. Motorists are being urged to avoid the area.

"The incident is being managed jointly by the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Thames Valley Police."

The police said the cause of the fire would be investigated but the incident was not believed to be suspicious.

A spokeswoman for South Central Ambulance Service NHS Trust said it sent six vehicles to the scene.

She said: "We attended, there were no casualties and so we did not convey anyone to hospital. However, we did respond in full."