AN investigation is underway today after residents living in five neighbouring terraced houses were forced to leave their homes last night because of an overwhelming chemical smell.

Firefighters who attended the incident at 6pm yesterday in Blackburn Road, Edenfield, failed to find the source of the smell, believed to be a substance called xylene, and people claim it is an ongoing problem in the area. Sub Officer Nick Clough said: "We received a call from residents who said they could smell a substance in their cellars and that it had been coming and going all week.

"We believe it was a chemical called xylene which smells like a very strong felt tip pen and some residents were complaining of headaches and sore throats when we arrived."

The nearby Brown and Forth chemical warehouse was investigated but no chemical leaks were found.

Environment Agency officers and members of Rossendale Borough Council's Environmental Health team also failed to find the cause.

A spokesman for Lancashire Police, who closed the road while firefighters swilled the drains, said: "No one was formally evacuated but residents did leave their homes because of the smell and 14 people were treated by paramedics at the scene. They were advised to go to hospital but declined and were then advised to see their GP.

"The chemical involved is not particularly dangerous and after the fire brigade swilled the drains the smell seemed to subside."

SO Clough added: "It is something of a mystery where the leak came from. Environment Agency officers and Environmental Health people will be investigating."

Residents returned to their homes shortly after 9.30pm.

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