Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue said they were first alerted to the explosion in Yarton at 7:17pm this evening (October 2) after a digester tank was struck by lightning.

The fire service is still at the scene and is using an aerial appliance and a water tanker to battle the blaze,

READ MORE: Live updates as reports of explosion near Oxford

The power facility has confirmed that the explosion was caused by biogas within the tank igniting after being hit by lightening.

Fire and rescue operations are ongoing and a spokesman for the service said there would be no further updates this evening. 

Thames Valley Police say no one is believed to be hurt though residents are asked to stay home and shut windows to ensure safety.

A statement from the force released shortly after 9pm said: "Our officers are currently at the scene of a fire at a waste plant near Yarnton, Oxfordshire.

"It is believed that lightning struck gas containers at the site during bad weather this evening, causing a large fire."

A statement from Severn Trent Green Power said: "We can confirm that at around 7.20pm this evening, a digester tank at its Cassington AD facility near Yarnton, Oxfordshire, was struck by lightning resulting in the biogas within that tank igniting. 

"We are working with the emergency services to secure the site and will provide further comments in due course."