The huge fire which broke out on Thursday morning at the Leiden medical centre is now out and the clouds of billowing smoke have cleared. There were no casualties.

The fire is thought to have started on the roof of the medical centre’s blood bank. Eye witnesses said they heard explosions but the fire service says these were caused by exploding plastic roof tiles.

The building, which is near to Leiden central station, was cleared. The hospital building next door was not affected and there were no casualties.