FIREFIGHTERS tackled a blaze at a bus depot in Bewsey this morning.

Crews were called to Fairbrother's industrial unit on Catherine Street at 1am today, Friday, where they remained at the scene for several hours.

Five buses are understood to have been destroyed, one a 1940s bus.

Paul Pickering, of Hoyle Street, raised the alarm after hearing a series of explosions while he slept.

The 39-year-old said: “It was around 12.40am when I started to hear the explosions – at first I thought it was gun shots.

“I got up and went to the window and I could see this massive cloud of black smoke and I could hear more explosions – there must have been 30 explosions within 20 minutes.

“I rang 999. I couldn’t get close to it because it was that intense.”

Paul has since praised the efforts of the firefighters who worked throughout the morning to extinguish the blaze.

“I would like to thank the emergency services,” said Paul.

“The fire could have easily spread so they saved a lot of lives.”

A Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "Firefighters responded to a large fire at an industrial unit in Bewsey. 

"The fire involved a bus company premises, measuring approx 40m x 25m, with several coaches well alight."

Firefighters left the scene at 7.30am while police carried out an investigation.

It is understood officers have now lifted the police cordon. 

No injuries were reported as a result of the fire and police are not treating the incident has suspicious.

Fairbrother's was used to supply buses for Penketh High School, but Network Warrington will step in - running a temporary service today and on Monday. 

Speaking earlier today, David Fairbrother, owner of Fairbrother's, said: "We're gutted. As soon as the police have gone we will be able to resume with our normal activity and will be fully operational - hopefully by this afternoon.

"We have hired school buses for the morning runs - all schools are covered."

All Fairbrother's buses have been back up and running since 12pm today, Friday.