What has been described as a “significant fire” broke out at a nuclear submarine shipyard in northwest England during the early hours of Wednesday.

Faulty equipment is being investigated as the possible cause of the major fire at the BAE Systems shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.

Local authorities said that two people were injured while stressing there was no risk of a nuclear disaster.

The Mail Online reports: A shipyard currently building the UK’s next-generation nuclear submarines is on fire this morning, sparking a huge emergency response and concern among locals.

A ‘significant’ blaze broke out at the BAE Systems factory in Barrow, Cumbria, shortly after midnight. Two people have been taken to hospital.

Locals said the fire appeared to be centred on the six-acre Devonshire Dock Hall, the main construction site, where a £1.6bn Astute-class nuclear submarine is being assembled.

It was unclear overnight what was burning or how the blaze started. Police said there was no ‘nuclear risk’.

Footage from the scene showed thick smoke pouring out of a large factory building. Locals have been told to stay away from the site and to keep doors and windows closed.

In a statement at 4am, Cumbria Police said: ‘Emergency services are currently in attendance at BAE at a significant fire at the site.

‘This incident was reported at around 00.44am this morning and remains on-going.

‘There is no nuclear risk. However, people living nearby are advised to remain indoors whilst emergency services respond to the incident and keep doors and windows closed.

‘Two people have been taken to hospital having suffered suspected smoke inhalation.

‘At this time there are no other casualties and everyone else have been evacuated from the Devonshire Dock Hall and are accounted for.

‘A road closure is in place on Michaelson Bridge.’

BAE Systems said: ‘We are working with emergency services to deal with a fire at [our] site in Barrow in Furness.’

Locals took to social media to tell of their concerns as the fire at the massive factory could be seen for miles around.