Blaze at British chemical plant

A massive blaze broke out at a chemical plant in the UK today, a Fire Brigade spokesman said.

Fire crews were called to the Distillex plant in East Percy Street, North Shields, Tyne & Wear this afternoon to tackle the fire.

No reports have yet been received about any injuries.

One eyewitness said fumes could be seen from the site about 15 miles away at Newcastle Airport.

She said: ‘‘The volume of smoke is immense, people are driving around just looking and wondering what has happened.

‘‘It is a steely grey smoke with great clouds billowing up, you can even smell it as well.’’

A Tyne & Wear Fire Brigade spokesman said 10 fire engines and a turntable vehicle were at the plant.