AN investigation has been launched following a suspected arson attack at an industrial site near Winwick Road.

Cheshire Fire is appealing for information after a blaze, which is now believed to have been started deliberately, broke out at BT Skip Hire on Saturday.

Emergency crews were alerted to the fire off Athlone Road just after 10.45pm and eight fire engines were needed to tackle the blaze.

Firefighters left the scene at around 10.15am on Sunday after spending the night extinguishing the out-of-control flames.

Nearby residents reported hearing a loud bang and their rooms shaking before seeing a flash and smoke appearing from the scene. 

The explosion could be heard as far away as Birchwood and Newton. 

Readers posted messages on the Warrington Guardian's Facebook and Twitter pages. 

Karen Wernham wrote: "We are at the bottom end of Orford and heard the loud explosion.

“I hope no-one is seriously hurt and that the fire can be brought under control quickly."

Four fire engines were sent to the scene initially but this was later increased to eight.

A spokesman for a Cheshire Fire Service said: "On arrival crews found a large fire involving refuse and recycling material and began using main jets to tackle the blaze as well as using other jets to cool nearby gas tanks.

"Crews continued to work on containing the blaze until just after 10am on Sunday to stop it from spreading to nearby premises.

“The fire is believed to have been started deliberately.”

Cheshire Fire reports that there were no injuries.

A spokesman for BT Skip Hire said it was ‘business as usual’ for the company but added that they could not comment further at this time.

Anyone with information is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Please note language, which may be deemed offensive, can be heard in the background of the video.

Video by reader Dayle Leigh.