INVESTIGATIONS are ongoing following the fire at Barrow's shipyard.

Only essential workers are being allowed to return to Devonshire Dock Hall where the blaze broke out in the early hours of Wednesday.

BAE has said it would not comment further on the impact of the fire or the cause of it.

Firefighters worked for around 12 hours to suppress the flames in the building.

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A BAE spokesman said: "We’d like to thank all the agencies involved for their assistance in dealing with the fire at the Devonshire Dock Hall and the local community for their ongoing support and patience as the incident was managed throughout the day. 

"All personnel were safely evacuated and our employees who were treated in hospital have been released.

"Whilst the affected area is accessible for essential personnel only, the remainder of the site is operational. 

"Until a full investigation has been completed, it would be inappropriate to comment further about the cause or potential impact of the incident.”

Defence minister Maria Eagle told Parliament a formal fire investigation would be taking place to 'establish the root cause of the fire and the extent of the damage'.

In a written statement, she said: "Until this occurs it is too soon to give a precise assessment of what, if any, impact there will be on any BAE Systems capabilities or submarine build projects.

"Ministers continue to engage closely with BAE Systems."

She added: "Barrow is the historic home of submarine building in the UK and this Government are committed to delivering the plan for Barrow, creating economic opportunity and delivering the nuclear deterrent as part of our national endeavour.

"I would like to make a special mention of the emergency services, including those of BAE Systems and Cumbria, whose professionalism and highly effective response safe- guarded the local population and helped put this fire out."

The Ministry of Defence confirmed it was working closely with BAE and emergency responders as they assess the incident’s impact and establish next steps for resuming normal operations.

Emergency services confirmed there was no nuclear risk from the fire at the site.