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Police: Fire under control but asbestos still a concern

Emergency services dealing with a fire at a disused factory in Belper are advising people to stay away from the Derwent Street area.

Police and the fire service were contacted at around 3.30pm following reports of an explosion and fire at the former Thornton’s factory on Derwent Street.

The fire was put out by fire fighters by 4.40pm but Derwent Street remains closed and there are significant traffic problems in the area.

Emergency services are concerned the explosion may have caused asbestos to disperse and are advising anyone who finds any unusual material not to touch it but to contact Derbyshire police on 101.

– Derbyshire Constabulary

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Explosion reported in Belper, Derbyshire

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Motorists are being advised to avoid Belper due to a fire in Derwent Street. Long delays due to previous road closures on and around A6.

From @DerbysPolice on Twitter:

Men charged after Chesterfield amphetamine factory discovered

Three men have been charged after police discovered what they are calling a large amphetamine factory in Chesterfield.

The men, aged 45, 37 and 24 have been charged with conspiracy to produce amphetamine. The 37-year-old has also been charged with possessing amphetamine with the intent to supply, possessing GHB (a depressant drug) and possessing an offensive weapon.

They are due to appear before magistrates in Chesterfield on Wednesday, May 22.

The men were arrested in January after police raided a house in Danesmoor and another in North Wingfield. A garage in Hasland was also visited.

Officers discovered a large amount of chemicals and equipment during the raids, which they believe could be used to produce amphetamine.

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