Investigation underway into cause of landfill fire

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of a major fire at the landfill site in Shawell, near Lutterworth.

Firefighters were called last night after a large blaze broke out, with crews from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service supported by colleagues from Warwickshire and Northamptonshire.

Six appliances and two water carriers were in attendance at the height of the firefighting operation.

Pics: Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service

The incident generated a large amount of smoke, with nearby residents advised to keep windows and doors closed while firefighters worked to bring the fire under control.

Crews returned to the site today to damp down remaining hotspots and will do so again later to monitor the area.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service says investigations into the cause of the fire are now underway.