A major mopping-up exercise is taking place after a series of explosions at a chemical plant on Teesside.

Investigations are continuing into the cause of the blaze at the Shanks chemical works on the Tofts Farm Industrial Estate, Seaton Carew, but it is believed it started when a drum of lithium waste exploded after it came into contact with water and self-heated. This then led to further explosions amongst other chemical drums.

A member of staff raised the alarm after spotting the fire in the storage area and the small number of employees on site at the time were evacuated. It is hoped work will get back to normal once the investigation has been carried out.

A spokesman for the company said: "Our priority now is to clean the site, assess the damage and help in the investigation."

At the height of the fire, on Wednesday evening, there were 50 firefighters, 12 fire engines, one command support unit, two hydraulic platforms and a foam tender.

The explosions could be heard for miles and residents in Seaton Carew were warned to close all doors and windows and only to make necessary journeys.

George Pendlington, divisional officer for Cleveland Fire Brigade said: "We were concerned with the smoke plume heading off towards Seaton Carew, and as we did not then know what substances were involved we decided, as a precaution, to ask residents to close doors and windows."

Full story in The Northern Echo tomorrow.