Huge blaze at Killingholme oil refinery

Humberside Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to a large blaze in a distillation unit at the Lindsey Oil Refinery, at North Killingholme, at 11.58am on Tuesday.

A spokesman said 10 appliances were at the scene. The fire service said the blaze involved crude oil. The spokesman could not confirm reports there had been a large explosion at the refinery.

People living in the area reported hearing the incident over a wide area and black smoke could be seen as far as Hull.

A spokeswoman for Humberside Police said: "Police were called to the scene at 12.08 today in connection with the fire. Police helicopter, ambulance and Humberside Fire and Rescue Service are all in attendance. The incident is ongoing and it is not known if there are any casualties at this time."

The refinery is run by oil company Total. In a statement the firm said: "Total Lindsey Oil Refinery, near Immingham, in North Lincolnshire, confirms that a fire occurred at 11.57am today, shortly followed by a small explosion.

"The refinery emergency plan has been put into operation. The County Emergency Services are at the scene assisting the refinery's emergency response team."

Humberside Police said two people were treated for minor injuries. Police said later that the fire had been contained and was under control.

The Humberside force issued warnings earlier to people in the area to stay indoors and keep their windows and doors closed. But a spokeswoman said people were now free to leave their homes. She said: "It's OK now for people to go about their daily business."

The spokeswoman said police were working with the fire service to determine the cause of the fire.