Investigation after factory blaze

The fire at Acoustafoam, Halesfield 10, Telford, sent toxic smoke billowing across the borough.

Officers from Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service carried out a reinspection of the site this morning and were due to carry out another investigation later today.

Investigators from the Environment Agency were also due to visit the site for a second time today.

A spokesman for the agency said: "We are investigating and liaising with the other authorities.

"We are taking precautions regarding the run-off of the fire water.

"Samples have been taken from the site and we are awaiting results."

Firefighters were called to tackle the blaze on Monday night. A toxic compound was stored at the site.

An evacuation of surrounding residential areas was avoided because the wind carried smoke from the fire away from homes, although flames and smoke could be seen for miles.

Incident commander Paul Fulgoni said the noise control engineering unit stored large quantities of toxic isocyanates which had become involved in the fire.

Officers said the unit would almost certainly have to be demolished.

More than 50 firefighters from 12 stations across the county were at the scene at the height of the blaze, following the call at about 9.20pm.

Used in paints, isocyanates can cause asthma and eye and throat irritation.

Picture: Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.