THREE fire engines were called out to gas terminals in Barrow in the early hours of this morning after increased temperatures in pressure equipment were identified.

Crews from Barrow, Ulverston and Walney were dispatched to Centrica's terminals off Rampside Road at approximately 1am.

Engineers in the control room of the site noticed higher than normal temperatures in the equipment which is used to pressurise the gas.

As a result the terminals were then shut down and Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service were notified.

Residents contacted the Evening Mail to say they heard a loud noise at about 1am and saw flashing blue lights.

A Centrica spokesman said: "Just before 1am this morning, the engineers at the terminals were notified of increased temperatures in part of the equipment used to boost the pressure of the gas.

"The team responded quickly and immediately shut down the terminals, following their normal processes, and called the fire service as a precaution.

"An investigation has been launched into the cause of the increased temperatures.

"We would like to thank the fire crews for their speedy response and apologise for any inconvenience caused."

Members of the public described seeing a large flame from the site, however the Centrica spokesman said this was normal procedure when the gas is removed from the system via the safety flare.

A spokesman for Cumbria Constabulary said they were made aware of the incident but were not required to attend.