MOTORISTS faced long tailbacks this morning after a fire at a scrap yard in Daubhill threatened to cause a gas explosion.

Fire crews were called to deal with a blaze at Critchley's Scrap Yard at around 10.15pm last night after tyres, rubbish and wooden pallets were seen to be on fire on wasteland adjacent to the site.

The blaze spread throughout the yard and threatened to cause an explosion as liquid petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders and an oxyacetylene cylinder in a vehicle dismantling workshop became hot.

Specialist hazardous materials officers and police were called to the scene and Derby Street was sealed off to motorists and pedestrians when the danger was recognised and a handful residents were asked to stay inside their homes.

Firefighters were using cold water jets to stabilise the volatile gas cylinders.

Fire chiefs said today that part of the road would remain closed until at least 11pm tonight, causing traffic chaos for rush-hour motorists.

Police today said they would begin an investigation into the cause of the fire once the cordon is lifted and warned motorists of long delays.

Derby Street is closed between the junctions with High Street and Baldwin Street while Cannon Street is also closed for approximately 400 yards where it meets Derby Street.

Several businesses on Derby Street and inside Derby Mill will also remain closed today.

Sub Officer Shaun Walton warned pedestrians to respect the cordon around the affected site.

He said: "Cordoning off a large area is difficult because it's near business properties rather than residential.

"People are putting themselves in danger if they do cross the cordon because it could potentially explode."

MOTORISTS faced long tailbacks this morning after a fire at a scrap yard in Daubhill threatened to cause a gas explosion.

Fire crews were called to deal with a blaze at Critchley's Scrap Yard at around 10.15pm last night after tyres, rubbish and wooden pallets were seen to be on fire on wasteland adjacent to the site.

The blaze spread throughout the yard and threatened to cause an explosion as liquid petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders and an oxyacetylene cylinder in a vehicle dismantling workshop became hot.

Specialist hazardous materials officers and police were called to the scene and Derby Street was sealed off to motorists and pedestrians and a handful residents were asked to stay inside their homes.

Firefighters were using cold water jets to stabilise the volatile gas cylinders.

Fire chiefs said today that part of the road would remain closed until at least 11pm tonight, causing traffic chaos for rush-hour motorists.