Huge fire rips through warehouse

A smoke plume can be seen across Reading

People in part of Berkshire have been warned to keep their doors and windows shut throughout the day after a fire at a large paper warehouse.

About 50 firefighters tackled the blaze at Paddock Road Industrial Estate, Caversham, Reading, on Sunday morning.

The building's roof contained asbestos and residents in the Amersham Road area have been told to remain indoors.

A smoke plume could be seen across Reading and some people said burning debris landed near their homes.

No one was injured although motorists were advised to avoid the area.

Thames Valley Police are investigating the cause of the fire.

Hazel Dilly, who lives nearby, said: "We could see the flames were about 100ft high.

"The fire brigade were there but they had to draw back for a while because the flames were so high, and what appeared to be fireworks were shooting out of the warehouse left, right and centre."

Paul Harper, who lives in Caversham, said the fire was "threatening houses just yards away with burning debris".

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue said crews took more than 100 calls about the blaze, which began at 0730 GMT.