Barrow fire: Shocking video shows BAE Systems submarine yard gutted by towering inferno

A shocking video has captured the moment a horror used to build UK nuclear submarines - with billowing black smoke seen for miles across the town.

Two people were rushed to hospital after the in Barrow-in-Furness, , was engulfed in flames shortly after midnight on Wednesday, sparking a huge emergency response. Locals say the fire appears to be centred on Devonshire Dock Hall (DDH) - a massive shipbuilding complex and warehouse assembling a £1.6bn Astute-class nuclear submarine.

The incident has plunged the town into gridlock with . Emergency services are meanwhile continuing their work to control the blaze this morning as dramatic images show thick black plumes of smoke surrounding the site hours on from when the fire started.

Local resident Paul Ayres told the that smoke was still billowing from DDH at around 4.30am. He said: "Working in nearby hotel, fire appears to be under control now, no visible flames as were apparent earlier. Still a lot of smoke coming out of DDH where subs are constructed. Roads are still closed on Michaelson Road leading to BAE. Police still present on both sides of bridge."

Cumbria Police said in a statement released at 4am that there is "no nuclear risk", but that the incident is ongoing. The force said: “Emergency services are currently in attendance at BAE at a significant fire at the site. This incident was reported at around 00.44am this morning and remains on-going.

“There is no nuclear risk. However, people living nearby are advised to remain indoors whilst emergency services respond to the incident and keep doors and windows closed.

“Two people have been taken to hospital having suffered suspected smoke inhalation. At this time there are no other casualties and everyone else have been evacuated from the Devonshire Dock Hall and are accounted for. A road closure is in place on Michaelson Bridge.”

BAE Systems said: "We are working with emergency services to deal with a fire at [our] site in Barrow in Furness. The area around the Devonshire Dock Hall has been evacuated and everyone has been accounted for. Two colleagues have been taken to hospital having suffered suspected smoke inhalation. One has subsequently been released. We will provide further updates in due course."

It remains unclear what was burning on site and how the blaze started.