AN EXPLOSION closed off Ebblake Industrial Estate in Verwood on Christmas Eve.

Firefighters were called at 5.15am to the explosion, which could be heard a mile away, in and around the estate on Black Moor Road.

On arrival crews from Verwood liaised with the police and found an exploded cylinder along with a large quantity of smaller cylinders including one acetylene cylinder, often used for welding and cutting.

The explosion set fire to a derelict industrial unit next to Ringwood Forest.

No one was injured but people were evacuated from nearby units.

Incident commander David Hockaday said crews were now engaged in a cooling down operation using two main lines in what he described as "remote fire fighting" to ensure the safety of the crews.

Another fire crew from Cranborne were requested as well as a Hazmat officer.

Police are currently maintaining a 100metre cordon, which has been reduced from 200metres.

Harry Gunt, manager at the Dorset Car and Body Repair Shop, said he saw a fire moments before the explosion. "There was a massive bang. The whole building shook," he added.

A cordon remains around Black Moor Road. A Dorset Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said the cause of the incident was a controlled burn (bonfire) which had been left unattended and spread to the cylinders.