Dramatic drone footage shows a huge cloud of smoke as huge fire breaks out and multiple explosions heard at a former RAF airfield.

Clouds of dense black smoke could be seen for miles - with the local police chief describing the inferno at Bicester Motion in Oxfordshire as an "awful situation"."

The site is home to more than 50 specialist businesses focused on classic car restoration and engineering.

Fire and rescue crews rushed to the heritage site at around 6.40pm yesterday evening.

Smoke could be seen billowing from the fire across the town and as far as north Oxford - with residents reporting sounds of explosions, burning smells and ash raining down on them.

Julie Stocker, 44, who lives near the Bicester Heritage site, said: "Lots of black smoke and I heard explosions."

"The wind was blowing the smoke away from us. It's a great loss, the hanger was built in 1926 apparently."

"I just hope nobody is injured. We could see the flames from our window and we could hear it as well. It was enormous."

"The amount of people there trying to look at it was ridiculous, especially considering it was potentially toxic smoke."

"We were lucky the wind was blowing away from us. We were told to close windows and doors because there was potentially asbestos in the roof."

Nicole Powell, who lives in the Caversfield Neighbourhood next to the park, said she saw "huge billows of grey, white and black smoke."

"Helicopters are flying over head and there's a consistent popping off of small explosions," she added."

Toby Roberts of Bicester said: "I saw smoke from all the other side of Bicester at Whitelands."

"There were sirens blasting everywhere and when I approached towards the fire I saw even more cars and fire engines."

"Loads of people watching on the pavement with smoke billowing everywhere."

"I have lived my whole life in Bicester and never seen anything like it."

"I hope everyone is okay."

Bicester Motion released a short statement as the blaze continues.

A spokesperson for the business group said: "We are aware of an incident which has happened at Bicester Motion."

"Emergency services have been called and are attending on-site. "

"At this stage, we simply wish to communicate that the company appreciates the concern from Bicester residents and is working with the emergency services."

"A further statement will be made as appropriate."

Oxfordshire County Council confirmed that 10 fire engines attended the "serious incident" from 6.39pm, and advised that people remain indoors and shut all windows until further notice. "

Bicester Motion's story began in 2013 with the purchase of the former WW2 RAF Bicester Bomber Training Station - a 444-acre site of national historic importance.

Neglected for the best part of 40 years, it was added to Historic England's 'At Risk Register' in 2008 and designated the most 'at risk' of all Defence Estates in the UK.

Under Bicester Motion's custodianship, 99% of the buildings have been delicately restored or re-activated for modern business use.