FIREFIGHTERS, police and paramedics were called to a chemical factory after a spillage led to gases escaping from the plant.

Three pumps from Accrington Fire Station were called to chemical manufacturers William Blythe Ltd just before 7pm yesterday after a small amount of hydrochloric acid vapour escaped from the factory in Blackburn Road, Church.

Several residents in nearby Hill Street reported the incident to police and the emergency services turned out as part of the county's standard emergency plan.

Environment Agency inspectors were due on site today to investigate the incident, which has also been reported to the Health and Safety Executive.

Accrington fire station officer Jim Owen said the stannic chloride reacted with the air to form an irritating vapour which started to spread out of the factory.

The firefighters wore chemical protection suits and breathing apparatus and used lime to help site staff neutralise the chemicals.

Police and ambulance remained on standby but no-one was injured. A spokesman for Blythe's said an internal investigation was under way to determine the cause of the spillage. He said: "There was a release of hydrochloric acid fume following a small spillage inside one of our process buildings.

"The company immediately activated its own emergency procedures and the spillage was quickly contained and controlled.

"Even though the release was small, the damp weather conditions exaggerated the situation and gave the impression of light smog, which could be detected at ground level.

"The wind direction was towards the West End of Oswaldtwistle and concern was expressed by a number of our neighbours, some of whom contacted the emergency services.

"There was a very small amount of visible vapour, which does smell and can cause irritation to the skin and coughing.

"We apologise for any nuisance caused and I have been to see some of our neighbours to explain what happened."

An Environment Agency spokeswoman said: "We were contacted about the release of chemicals into Blythe's and we will be going there today to talk to the company about what happened."

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