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 | | Monday, 24 December, 2001, 21:56 GMT Toxic leak at chemical plant  Experts have successfully dealt with the gas leak A toxic gas leak at a giant chemical plant in north east England has been largely contained. Emergency services were called to the Wilton International site on Teesside after reports that "thermex gas" had escaped from the complex. While the main leak was contained on the site, concentrations of the gas are being blown towards residential areas in the seaside towns of Redcar, Saltburn and Markse. Strong winds are dispersing the gas, but locals are being urged to keep their doors and windows shut as thermex - which smells like geraniums - may cause irritation to eyes and skin.
Police, fire and ambulance services attended the scene, but no-one was evacuated and there were no reported casualties. Cleveland Police spokesman Charlie Westberg said: "Experts have dealt with the leak of thermex gas and the all clear was sounded at 1935GMT, just over two hours after the first alert. "The main leak of the gas, which is an irritant to eyes and skin, was contained on site, although low concentrations were blown towards residential areas. "Police are advising people to keep doors and windows closed tonight, purely as a precaution." Wilton is one of the biggest chemical industry complexes in Europe and houses a number of different firms including BP Amoco, ICI and Union Carbide. | | Internet links:  The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Top England stories now:  Links to more England stories are at the foot of the page. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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