Several hurt in 'chemical leak' at leisure centre
BBCA leisure centre in Derby was evacuated after several people were affected by a "potential chemical leak", the fire service has said.
Emergency services were called to the Moorways Sports Village and Water Park in Moor Lane, Allenton, at about 13:40 BST on Thursday.
Firefighters from the city and Stapleford in Nottinghamshire are on site alongside a specialist Environmental Protection Unit from Nottingham, alongside East Midlands Ambulance Service and police.
The brigade said "around 12 people" were being assessed by paramedics after experiencing "breathing difficulties".
Osmaston Park Road is currently closed to the junction with Moor Lane.
Drivers are asked to avoid the area if possible.
One mother who had taken her children to the centre on Thursday afternoon said: "As we pulled in, we parked and got out and there was a little boy really coughing outside the swimming pool, we thought 'goodness me'.
"We walked up to the entrance and there was another man coughing.
"We stood in a long queue and started to think there was something wrong as there were lots of lifeguards around and people coughing and spluttering.
"We got to the front of the queue and they said we're evacuating, and only at that point did they sound the siren."
Outside, towels were being handed out and after the fire brigade arrived crews started to give oxygen to people, she added.
"We saw streams of people coming out of the swimming pool, just in their swimming costumes," she said. "Thank goodness it's a warm day.
"Our eyes were stinging a little bit. There were lots of police cars and fire engines arriving, we just hope everyone's OK."
The BBC has contacted leisure centre owner Derby City Council for comment.
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