Haverhill Chemical Spill

18 July 2011, 15:22 | Updated: 19 July 2011, 12:09

An investigation has started after hazardous chemicals were spilt in Haverhill.

Around 40 firefighters were called to International Flavours and Fragrances Duddery Hill on Monday afternoon after some ammonium chloride powder leaked from a tanker, reacted with rain and caused toxic fumes.

The surrounding area was evacuated whilst crews in chemical protection suits wearing breathing apparatus worked to contain the spill and resulting fumes.

People living in the nearby Chalkstone and Wilsey estates and Roman Way were advised is to stay indoors.

The incident is caused disruption to a small number of schools in the area, forcing some to send children home early or keep them indoors.

Firefighters wearing specialist clothing covered the leaked material with sheets, and the tanker was removed by a lorry driver wearing specialist equipment.

The incident was bought fully under control just before 7pm on Tuesday.

Suffolk Fire Service is investigating the incident, and will be looking into the procedures employed at International Flavours and Fragrances when materials are transferred between tankers and site storage facilities.