A huge emergency services response at an industrial unit in Oldham was sparked by a 'chemical leak', the fire service has confirmed.
Five fire engines were scrambled to the incident on the Highfield Industrial Estate on West End Street at around 7.40pm last night (Tuesday). Environmental protection and drone units were also sent to the scene as a cordon was put in place.
Nearby Oldham College and a gym were evacuated by police officers 'as a precaution' as smoke billowed from the unit. The fire service said this morning that crews were on the scene for around nine hours to 'make the building safe'.
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The Manchester Evening News understands that the building contained a large amount of chemicals used to clean metals. A specialist clean-up will now need to be carried out before people are let back inside.
In a statement issued this morning, a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: "At around 7.40pm on Tuesday 27 June, fire crews were called to reports of smoke coming from an industrial unit on Highfield Industrial Estate on West End Street in Oldham.
"Five fire engines from Bury, Heywood, Chadderton, Ashton and Blackley stations, as well as the environmental protection and drone units, were quickly mobilised to the incident, which was identified as a chemical leak. A cordon was put in place and Oldham College and a nearby gym were evacuated by Greater Manchester Police as a precaution.
"Firefighters wearing gas-tight suits and breathing apparatus used a covering jet, ventilation equipment and gas monitors to make the building safe. GMFRS crews were in attendance for a total of nine hours."
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police confirmed officers were on the scene to assist fire crews.
