Tributes have poured in after a two-day fire at the Bicester Motion site has taken the lives of three people - including two firefighters.

A huge blaze at one of the buildings on the business complex in Bicester, Oxfordshire began at about 6.40am yesterday and continued burning this morning (Friday).

Two firefighters have lost their lives in the line of duty while dealing with the major incident, and a member of the public also sadly died.

Two further firefighters sustained serious injuries and are currently in hospital.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the deaths as "devastating news", adding: "The bravery of our firefighters is astounding. "

"Hoping those in hospital make a full and swift recovery."

Chief Fire Officer Rob MacDougall said: "It is with a very heavy heart that we today report the loss of two of our firefighters."

"Families have been informed and are being supported. Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult of times and we ask for privacy to be respected."

"We cannot release any details at present but will provide further information as soon as we can."

Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, expressed her condolences to the families of the firefighters and the member of the public.

She said: "This is a terrible reminder for us all that firefighters, as well as the other members of the emergency services, put themselves at risk on a daily basis, to protect us all. We own them a deep debt of gratitude."

"We are deeply saddened, and our thoughts are with the family, colleagues and friends of those we have lost in this tragic incident."

Labour former minister and Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds has paid tribute to the firefighters who died in the line of duty as she spoke in the House of Commons.

The Oxford East MP said: "Since I have been in the chamber, I have received some truly awful news that three people died last night in a fire in Bicester, including two members of the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service."

"The Member for Bicester (Calum Miller, Liberal Democrat) has had to leave the chamber to liaise with those on the ground."

"We both want to take this opportunity, if I may, to convey our deep sorrow and solidarity with the families of those who have died, and our fervent and heartfelt best wishes to the two firefighters who remain in a serious condition."

"We're grateful for their heroism and that of their colleagues when, as ever, they run towards danger to serve us all."

Philip Garrigan, chief of the National Fire Chiefs Council, said: "I am devastated by the news that two firefighters have lost their lives responding to a major incident in Bicester on Thursday evening. I am also deeply saddened that a member of the public has also died in the incident."

"Our firefighters are the very best of us, their courage and compassion is what make them so very special."

"My thoughts are with their families, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time."

A total of ten fire crews attended the incident on Thursday night, along with police and ambulance services.

As of 9.30am on Friday morning, four crews remain at the scene with the fire now "under control"."

Other support appliances remain on scene including a hydraulic platform, a water carrier, a command unit and a high volume pumping unit.

Advice for local residents to remain indoors and shut all windows has been lifted. Roads that were previously closed are now being opened but traffic is heavy.

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

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."

Jake Bushen, aged 19, said: "The biggest fire I have seen in my life. I saw it about 7.30am. It was going right into the horizon. It was quite scary."

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."

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.