Chemical spill in Sheffield

A major chemical spill forced fire crews to seal off parts of Sheffield city centre on Tuesday.

The spill happened at a commercial premises in Allen Street at lunchtime, forcing residents to stay in their homes and keep doors and windows shut.

The call for assistance at around 12.33pm was responded to by crews from Sheffield Central, Mansfield Road, Rivelin, Low Edges, Darnall and Low Edges.

Incident support and five appliances were sent to the scene to deal with the spill, according to a spokesman for South Yorkshire Fire Service.

Several streets between Netherthorpe and the city centre were sealed off by police officers placed a 50m cordon around Allen Street and Shalesmoor.

Streets affected included Shepherd Street, Snow Lane, Smithfield and Allen Street its self.

A police spokesman said: "Whilst no evacuation of homes is planned at present, the Fire Service have asked that any residents in the area keep doors and windows closed."

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David Urpeth from law firm Irwin Mitchell said: “This was a very serious work accident, the circumstances of which are not yet known.

“I would urge a full enquiry into the circumstances that led to this accident at work.

“Such chemical accidents can expose both workers and local residents to harm.”