A massive explosion which rocked a chemical plant in the Billingham area of Teesside is being investigated.

The blast happened at the Terra Nitrogen (UK) Limited site in an industrial area off Haverton Hill Road at 12.15am and police declared a major emergency.

A huge explosion was heard and a massive fireball could be seen. Nearby roads were closed and residents were advised to keep their windows and doors shut as a precaution.

Two people working at the site were treated for cuts and bruises. The blaze, which was extinguished by 2.45am, began at a pipe and led to a fire involving mixed gases including hydrogen, nitrogen and a small amount of ammonia.

The cause of the blast is not yet clear. Terra Nitrogen’s UK manufacturing director, Ashraf Malik, apologised to residents and a company spokesman said an investigation will be held.

The plant, which produces ammonia and was previously owned by ICI, was shut down.

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