Firefighters tackled a massive blaze involving at least 100 vehicles at a York scrap merchant's yard today.

Witnesses reported explosions as well as towering flames and a huge pall of black smoke at the L Clancey and Sons scrapyard at Murton. Dozens of people called emergency services after the blaze broke out at about 11am at Murton Sidings.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said officers feared that more of the business's 600 cars could be engulfed.

A member of staff at nearby Murton Park, who asked not be named, said: "There was a loud bang just after 11am. It shook the upstairs windows. The black smoke is horrific. It's really jet black. There are flames going up and little bangs all the time. It's getting worse."

Fire officers using breathing apparatus began to tackle the blaze as six fire tenders and a turntable ladder were called to the scene.

Updated: 12:50 Saturday, April 19, 2003