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Fire breaks out at Southampton firework factory Fire breaks out at Southampton firework factory
(35 minutes later)
A huge blaze has broken out at a factory, setting off dozens of fireworks stored inside.A huge blaze has broken out at a factory, setting off dozens of fireworks stored inside.
Explosives lit up the sky and loud bangs were heard as the fire took hold at about 05:05 BST on Bitterne Road West, Southampton.Explosives lit up the sky and loud bangs were heard as the fire took hold at about 05:05 BST on Bitterne Road West, Southampton.
More than 70 firefighters are at the fireworks factory, Hampshire Fire and Rescue service said. No-one was thought to have been in the building.More than 70 firefighters are at the fireworks factory, Hampshire Fire and Rescue service said. No-one was thought to have been in the building.
Eyewitness Peter Haughton said people had been evacuated from their homes.Eyewitness Peter Haughton said people had been evacuated from their homes.
A plume of smoke can be seen billowing in the sky in the area.A plume of smoke can be seen billowing in the sky in the area.
Resident Jill Sainsbury said she heard an "almighty bang" and saw different colours appear in the sky at around 05:00.Resident Jill Sainsbury said she heard an "almighty bang" and saw different colours appear in the sky at around 05:00.
She said: "We thought it was coming from the river until we saw a massive plume of smoke coming from the fireworks factory near the flower factory.She said: "We thought it was coming from the river until we saw a massive plume of smoke coming from the fireworks factory near the flower factory.
"The fireworks had been going off for at least an hour - it has stopped now - but certainly the plume of smoke is still pouring over the river and the city.""The fireworks had been going off for at least an hour - it has stopped now - but certainly the plume of smoke is still pouring over the river and the city."
The A3024 Bitterne Road West has been closed in both directions while firefighters deal with the blaze. Bitterne Manor Primary School on Quayside Road has also been closed. Ryan Gregory, who lives nearby, said he initially thought the sound of bangs were gunshots.
He said: "I thought I heard gunshots originally, then I looked out of my window to see there was a lot of smoke. Immediately I knew it was from the firework factory, but I didn't expect it to go up in the blaze that it did."
The A3024 Bitterne Road West has been closed in both directions while firefighters deal with the blaze. Disruption is expected to last until midday.
Bitterne Manor Primary School on Quayside Road has also been closed.