Seventy firefighters have been battling a blaze on an industrial estate during the middle of the night.

The fire service said it received at least 37 calls after smoke was seen billowing from a laundry factory in Rhodes Way, just off Colonial Way, close to Watford Junction, shortly after midnight.

Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue said a number of special resources were required to tackle the fire at the Cottage Linen factory, which is now under control.

Credit: Twitter/Javed Laher

Pictures taken at the scene show the building well alight and one witness reported that the roof has been completely destroyed. Another said they had "never seen anything like it in their life".

Smoke was reportedly seen from some distance away.

Police have also been at the scene and are warning people to avoid the area and keep windows and doors locked.

One person on Twitter said they could smell burning from West Watford.

Read more: PICTURES: Aftermath of fire which ripped through laundry factory

Fire crews remain at the scene and photos this morning show large parts of the building in ruins. There are no reports of any injuries.

Watford Observer:

The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage.

More to follow