Emergency crews called to factory fire

Eight fire appliances were called to the scene

Eight fire engines have been called out to attend a fire at a warehouse on an industrial estate.

Crews from Devon Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene at Thales Optical Coatings at Language Industrial Estate, near Plymouth, at about 0900 BST.

The fire is believed to have started after a machine developed an electrical fault.

All of the workers at the factory were quickly evacuated from the site and were all accounted for.

Toxic smoke

The fire was brought under control by emergency crews and salvage work has begun at the site.

Devon Fire and Rescue Service said: "The situation was quite dangerous initially due to the large volume of toxic smoke given off by both the fibreglass and the electrical installation which was involved in the fire.

"We eventually had six breathing apparatus teams teams using four hose reel jets to extinguish it."

The company, which employs more than 60 people, specialises in making coatings for lenses. Their clients include the military.