Six factory workers taken to hospital after chemical fire

Cumbria Police have cordoned off an area around a factory near Carlisle after reports of a chemical fire.

Emergency services were called to the Stead McAlpin site at Cummersdale at around 11:10am.

Six employees were taken to hospital by ambulance, but police say there have been no serious injuries reported.

Officers put in place a 400m cordon, but it has since been lifted.

People are being advised to avoid the area and the following advise has been issued:

• Tune in to the local radio station for advice and information.

• Motorists who have to travel through the smoke should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed.

• The majority of people are unlikely to experience any health effects following exposure to smoke from a fire, however because any smoke is an irritant, it can make people’s eyes and throat sore.

• People with asthma or other respiratory conditions, and older people, may be particularly susceptible to the smoke and should carry and use their medication (such as inhalers) as usual.