Gas leak sees six people taken to hospital and leisure centre evacuated

Six people have been hospitalised with breathing difficulties after a gas leak at a leisure centre in Cleveland.

The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) were called to Loftus Leisure Centre at 3.10pm this afternoon.

They treated 10 patients with breathing difficulties and transported six of them to hospital, while the leisure centre was evacuated.

Craig Strike, Head of Prevention at Cleveland Fire Brigade, has told Teesside Live that four members of the public and two staff members have been taken to hospital with breathing difficulties.

Everyone Active, which operates the leisure centre, confirmed there has been a gas leak.

The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) were called to Loftus Leisure Centre (Ian Cooper)

Peter Smith, contract manager, said: "Loftus Leisure Centre was evacuated this afternoon due to a gas leak.

"The building will remain closed until further notice and an investigation is under way.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused and will provide a further update in due course."

Emergency services at the scene (Teesside Live)

Three of the patients were taken to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough while the other three were transferred to the University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton.

Cleveland Fire Brigade stated: "Loftus Leisure Centre is currently being evacuated. All emergency services are in attendance.

"We would like to advise the public to avoid the area if they can."

Emergency services are investigating at the scene (Teesside Live)

One eyewitness told TeessideLive how they were "told to move back" from the centre.

They said: "I was walking the dog and say two ambulances coming away from the leisure centre.

"I came down to have a look, there was loads of fire and ambulance here.

"Fire men were in special suits. We then got told to move back.

"Someone said it was a chemical leak but I couldn’t smell anything."

Cleveland Police were called to the scene by the ambulance service and the fire service (Teesside Live)

A statement on the leisure centre Facebook page says: "Customer notice! Due to unforeseen circumstances the centre will be closed tonight which means there will be no swimming lessons.

"Sorry for any inconvenience."

Cleveland Police were called to the scene by the ambulance service and the fire service.

A spokesperson from the force said: "At 3.17pm police were contacted by ambulance and fire and attended to provide a cordon."