Investigation continues into major fire at Whirlpool in Peterborough

Investigation continues into major fire at Whirlpool in Peterborough Credit: terry-harris.com

The investigation is underway into just what caused a major fire at the Whirlpool headquarters which saw fire crews from across the region head to Peterborough.

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Around 30 trailers containing parts went up in flames sending clouds of thick black smoke billowing across the city.

Firefighters from Norfolk and Suffolk joined their colleagues from Cambridgeshire at the scene.

Fire crews from across the east went to the scene Credit: ITV Anglia

Around 50 firefighters are working to bring the blaze under control at the Whirlpool UK headquarters in Shrewsbury Avenue

Witnesses reported hearing explosions as billowing torrents of dark smoke were visible for miles across the city after the blaze broke out shortly before 7pm on Thursday.

The damaged trailers Credit: Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue

There are no reported casualties and residents were warned to keep their doors and windows closed.

Parents were trying to collect their children from a nearby gymnastics club as police cordoned off and evacuated the immediate area.

Investigation continues into major fire at Whirlpool in Peterborough Credit: terry-harris.com

The site is the UK head office of Whirlpool, a household appliance company which owns brands such as Hotpoint and makes tumble dryers and washing machines.

ITV News Anglia understands that production at the factory has been continuing as normal despite the fire.