Spectacular show as Montserrat volcano erupts

A volcano on the tiny Caribbean island of Montserrat has shot a plume of ash an estimated nine miles into the sky, one of its most dramatic events since a devastating 1997 eruption that drove away half the population.

The partial collapse of the dome over the volcano's crater also unleashed flows of hot gas and rocks, triggering sirens for the evacuation of about 20 people from a nearby village.

Paul Cole, director of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, told the Press Assocaition it appeared to be the most material shed by the volcano in about four years. He said it is possible that activity would settle down now as the dome builds itself up again, adding that there is no immediate cause for concern about more dangerous activity.