BAE Fire: Barrow police speak out on 'nuclear risk' after huge fire at submarine shipyard

Worried residents near a submarine shipyard which caught today have been reassured there is "no nuclear risk".

Communities near BAE Systems, a shipyard at Devonshire Dock Hall (DDH) in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, were concerned . It broke out at around 12.45am and since then residents across the port city and afar have shared .

At least two people have been rushed to hospital due to smoke inhalation. However, the situation is not as bleak as residents in Barrow had first feared. One man had heard "a big thump" from the BAE Systems site, the only facility in the UK where submarines are made.

BAE Systems is the largest defence contractor in Europe, and cater for , and so Barrow residents have shared alarm any incident there could be particularly serious. One resident said online: "Isn't this actually really bad?... I just thought nuclear subs."

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said in a statement: "Emergency services are currently in attendance at BAE at a significant fire at the site. This incident was reported at around 00.44am this morning (30 Oct) and remains ongoing.

"There is no nuclear risk. However, people living nearby are advised to remain indoors whilst emergency services respond to the incident and keep doors and windows closed.

"Two people have been taken to hospital having suffered suspected smoke inhalation. At this time there are no other casualties and everyone else have been evacuated from the Devonshire Dock Hall and are accounted for. A road closure is in place on Michaelson Bridge."

The DDH was used to build the Vanguard-class submarines nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines and is currently building the cutting-edge Astute-class submarines to replace the Vanguard subs.

A spokesperson for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service said: "Fire crews are currently dealing with an Fire in the vicinity of BAE systems in Barrow, residents in the area are advised to keep windows and doors closed and avoid the area. We appreciate your co-operation while we deal with the incident."

BAE Systems confirmed two employees have been rushed to hospital. A spokesperson said: "We are working with emergency services to deal with a fire at site in Barrow in Furness.

"Two colleagues have been taken to hospital having suffered suspected smoke inhalation. At this time there are no other casualties and everyone else have been evacuated from the Devonshire Dock Hall and are accounted for. Further updates will be given in due course."