Explosions rock construction site in Bath - VIDEO

A series of huge explosions have halted work on a shopping centre development in Bath where Sir Robert McAlpine is the main contractor (see video below).

Eyewitnesses spoke of black smoke and flames leaping 15m into the air. One said: "I saw black smoke and we heard a few bangs and a series of fairly large explosions."

The explosions occured after a fire broke out at around 5pm yesterday (Tuesday) on the site of the £360m development, causing a number of gas canisters to blow up.

The fire is thought to have been started by a tar heater used for asphalting operations, according to a spokesman for client Multi Development UK.

The development had its topping out ceremony last week and was scheduled to open for shoppers in early 2009.

A 150m exclusion zone has been set up around the site, and 250 people have been evacuated from their homes. A review of the site's safety will take place this morning (Wednesday).