​FIREFIGHTERS, police and ambuance crews were called to Forde Road, Newton Abbot on Thursday morning after reports of an explosion.

Early reports suggested there had been an incident at Teignbridge Propellers involving a crucible of molten metal.

Police said they understood there had been four casualties. One man was taken to Torbay Hospital suffering from burns. Three others - two with burns and one with shock - were also taken for treatment.

An exclusion zone was set up around the factory and people living and working nearby were being advised to stay indoors.

Eye-witnesses described a column of black smoke hanging above the industrial estate.

One said: "As you come past the building you can see flames."

The alarm was raised at 8.27am.

Fire crews from Torbay and Newton Abbot attended. Three ambulances attended.

More details later.