AN investigation is underway to establish the cause of a major blaze on an industrial estate in Moreton last nght.

Fire crews were called to Tarran Way at 9pm after more than 40 calls from the public.

Two HGV articulated wagons were well alight, and a dense smoke cloud blew across Pasture Road, which was closed to traffic as a precaution.

Eyewitnesses described hearing a "large bang" before thick black smoke began billowing from the site.

One resident who lives nearby said "it was like World War Three".

"If it had taken hold of the petrol station, we wouldn't be here now," he said.

Group manager Paul Murphy, district manager for Wirral, said: “The fire involved vehicles including two HGVs, which caused a lot of smoke to drift from the area.

"Swift action by firefighters prevented the fire from spreading to nearby business premises.

“Fire protection staff from our service will be visiting commercial premises to highlight our safety messages.”

Damping down operations were completed by 2.30am on Wednesday, and crews left the scene shortly after 3am.

Fire appliances from Upton, Heswall and West Kirby attended the incident.