An investigation into an 'explosive misfire' in a well at a North Sea oil and gas rig has been launched by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The controlled explosive, which is used to access oil and gas and stimulate well activity, prematurely activated on March 15 at the Seagull Field .

HSE was notified of the incident, which occurred around 143 miles off the coast of Aberdeen at a four-well development operated by Ithaca and BP , reports STV News .

The misfire occurred at the J4 well, which is due to begin production this year, after five perforating runs which help process the creation of a path between the wellbore and the reservoir by blasting holes through the casing and cement, which were made successfully.

The perforating firing head assembly activated prem

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