Emergency services were called to a nuclear power station after an explosion nearby.

The incident happened next to the Hunterston B plant in North Ayrshire on Thursday at around 3.20pm during test works.

There was a loud bang following a component failure in a substation at the Western Link site.

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A ScottishPower spokesman said: "Emergency services attended as a matter of routine but were not required.

"There were no injuries, no disruption to the electricity network and no risk to the nuclear power station. SP Energy Networks, National Grid and contractors are investigating the incident."

The Western Link is a joint venture between ScottishPower Transmission and National Grid, aiming to bring renewable energy from Scotland to Wales and England.

It includes subsea and underground cables which link to converter stations so energy can be be used in the existing electricity transmission system.

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A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at 3.19pm on Thursday, September 21 to reports of a component failure within the Western Links electrical facility, West Kilbride.

"Three fire appliances were immediately mobilised to the incident, however their assistance was not required.

"There were no casualties and crews left the scene after ensuring the area was made safe."