Twinwoods business park fire 'not deliberate'

Beds Fire and Rescue Burnt buildingBeds Fire and Rescue
The fire was eventually put out on Monday after firefighters were called on Friday

A large business park fire that destroyed three buildings is not thought to have been started deliberately.

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue was called after the blaze engulfed a polystyrene factory at Twinwoods Business Park, Milton Ernest, on Friday afternoon.

More than 60 crews from four counties attended.

Witnesses described how workers were forced to flee the area as it looked so "dangerous".

'Major' fire at Twinwoods Business Park tackled by Bedfordshire crews

Andy Draper, group commander at the fire service, said: "We do not believe the fire has been started deliberately and will now be carrying out further investigations, working both with the insurers and the companies affected."

The fire has been "completely extinguished", he said.

"I'd like to thank the public for their patience during this protracted incident," he added.

He also praised crews from Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire for attending.

Beds Fire and Rescue Fire at Twinwoods Business ParkBeds Fire and Rescue
Investigations are continuing into the exact cause of the fire
Kate Sharp SmokeKate Sharp
Thick smoke could be seen for miles