A WOMAN has been killed in an explosion at a BAE Systems arms factory in Chorley.

BAE Systems confirmed that the 45-year-old died in the incident at the Royal Ordnance Factory, in Dawson Lane, Euxton, on Wednesday.

Emergency services were called to the scene just after 10am but police said there was no danger to the public.

The woman, from Leyland, was thought to have been handling explosive material.

The Health and Safety Executive are continuing an investigation into the circumstances of the accident.