Residents evacuated due to large industrial fire

Residents are being evacuated from their homes due to a large fire at the headquarters of a large art manufacturing firm.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to reports of a large industrial fire at Daler-Rowney in Peacock Lane, Bracknell, at about 15:00 BST.

It said there was a significant emergency service presence at the scene, and advised people to stay away from the area while crews tackled the blaze.

Thames Valley Police said it was evacuating the local area, with officers going door-to-door to alert those affected. The BBC understands it only affects residents in part of Crutchley Wood.

No-one was thought to have been in the building at the time of the blaze.

The factory is believed to have contained multiple chemicals.

Police said an evacuation rendezvous point had been created at Waitrose in Doncastle Road, and urged those evacuated or trying to head into the affected area to meet there.

Both police and fire officials also urged residents not told to evacuate to keep all doors and windows closed as a precaution.

Thames Valley Police added all emergency services were at the scene and working together to bring the fire under control.

More than a dozen fire engines attended the incident, with crews from Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire and Surrey drafted in.

According to the Daler-Rowney website, the Bracknell site is home to the firm's main office, warehouse and colour manufacturing and paper factory.