Evacuation after 'hazardous chemicals' found

Several streets and a school in Derby were evacuated after "potentially hazardous chemicals" were found at a business premises.

Derbyshire Police said officers were called to the scene onMidland Road at 10:30 BST on Tuesday and a 100m cordon was in place until shortly after 14:30.

The force said it worked with the city council, East Midlands Ambulance Service, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team as part of its response.

The chemicals were removed from the scene by the army and taken to Elvaston Castle Country Park where they were destroyed in a controlled explosion.

No injuries have been reported and the exact nature of the materials has not yet been disclosed.

But in a social media post, photography business WW Winter, which dates back to 1852, said it had discovered some antique chemicals which when it contacted the police, had prompted the emergency response.

Several roads were closed in addition to Midland Road, including Wellington Street, Carrington Street, London Road and Litchurch Street.

Parents were asked to pick their children up from the Castleward Spencer Academy primary school as part of it was within the cordon.

Royal Mail workers were also told to evacuate the delivery office on Midland Road.

A Derbyshire Police spokesperson said: "A precautionary cordon and road closures that were in place earlier today have now been lifted.

"The potentially hazardous chemicals found at the scene have been safely taken away from the area.

"Members of the public who were earlier evacuated from the scene have now been allowed to return."

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