Fire crews battled an industrial estate blaze in Swindon for hours after a damaged gas pipe leaked and caught fire.

Crews from Swindon, Westlea, and Stratton St Margaret fire stations all rushed to Stirling Road, near the South Marston Industrial Estate, at around 2.30pm on Thursday, November 9, after reports of a gas leak.

When they arrived they found that the leak had caught fire, with large flames visible at the scene.

A cordon stretching for 100 metres was put in place while firefighters and Wales and West Utilities, who were responsible for the pipe, attempted to isolate the gas supply and put out the inferno.

After more than two hours, during which time a constant spray was directed at the fire, it was eventually extinguished.

For some time after a digger in close proximity to the pipe and the charred side of the nearest building were hosed down.

Swindon Advertiser: Fire crews battling the fire at the South Marston Industrial Estate, Swindon

Wales and West Utilities have since offered an update on the cause of the gas leak, and revealed that the damage was done by a third party working in the area.

Darren Keighley, the gas emergency service manager for Swindon, said: "We were called to reports of a gas leak in the Viscount Way area of Swindon and immediately sent a team of engineers to investigate.

“On arrival, we discovered that a third party working in the area had damaged a gas pipe causing it to leak and catch alight.”

At the time of writing the road remained shut at the junction with Viscount Way but the utilities company was confident the route would reopen by the end of Thursday.

Mr Keighley added: "We are working with the emergency services to stop the leak and make the area safe.

“Our engineers are working as safely and as quickly as possible to stop the leak and make the area safe. This is a complex job, but barring any unforeseen circumstances, we hope to be able to stop the leak and reopen the road this evening.

Swindon Advertiser: Fire crews battling the fire at the South Marston Industrial Estate, Swindon

“We appreciate the patience and understanding of local residents and road users while we carry out this essential repair.” 

During the incident police blocked Spitfire Road to traffic, causing lengthy queues as lorries attempted to enter the busy industrial estate.

Employees in nearby buildings were also warned to remain inside until the evening.

One Honda employee revealed that all power to the site had been lost and that they had been told not to leave until 6pm.