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Dramatic pictures and videos show thick smoke billowing from a factory in the city centre. A number of blasts were heard at about 1.40pm. Road closures are in place, train services have been delayed and nearby buildings including a police station have been evacuated.

Shocked residents described “huge explosions” and “loads of smoke”. One person tweeted: “3 explosions and plenty of smoke. Seems to be near enterprise way industrial estate.” Another said: “Huge explosions where I live. Saw one of them from my garden. Hope noones hurt.” A third posted: “Goodness knows what just happened in Derby. Heard big explosion and loads of smoke.”

A series of explosions have rocked Derby this afternoon

Shocked residents described “huge explosions” and “loads of smoke”

Robbie Bunting, who works nearby, said: “I was just sitting at my desk, and all of a sudden there was a huge bang, everyone was walking around in the corridor and we went to look outside to see what it was, and there was a huge fire billowing black smoke over us. “And then there were several more explosions. So we all ran back in, grabbed our stuff and left. “The police started to cordon off the road when we left.” A resident told Mirror Online: “I live nearby and I have heard two explosions very loud in the last hour.

"A large cloud of black smoke is now spreading over my garden and a stench of burning is getting stronger.” Emergency services raced to the scene following reports of explosions. A spokesman for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We are currently dealing with a commercial building fire in Derby City on Enterprise Way. “People are urged to keep windows and doors closed due to the smoke in the area. No further information at present."

Dramatic pictures and videos show thick smoke billowing from a factory

The cause of the incident is not thought to be suspicious. In a statement Derbyshire Police said: "St Mary's Wharf police station in Prime Park Way, Derby has been evacuated due to a large fire at a business premises on Chester Green, which has resulted in a series of explosions. "An investigation is under way as to the cause of the fire, but it is not thought to be suspicious at this time.

A number of blasts were heard at about 1.40pm