Orange cloud of smoke seen in sky over Billingham after industrial incident

Residents shared footage of the orange plume of smoke in the sky near Belasis

Credit: Steve Gibson

A cloud of orange smoke was seen in the sky over Billingham after an "industrial incident".

Images were widely shared across social media on Friday, with some residents reporting hearing a warning siren in the area of Belasis business park, shortly before 1pm.

Emergency services attended the site of a fertiliser company in Haverton Hill after reports of a release of gas from the facility.

A spokesperson from CF Fertiliser told ITV Tyne Tees, "At approximately 12.20pm, there was an incident at one of the Billingham Complex’s nitric acid plants that resulted in a release of nitrous oxide.

"The plant’s safety system worked as designed and the plant was shut down safely, stopping the release within five minutes. The incident is over and there is no risk to the public. A full investigation of the incident will follow.”

Cleveland Police said: "There are no reports of any injuries to anyone and there are no off-site implications or further risk to the public."

Cleveland Fire Brigade confirmed they were called to the incident.

A spokesperson said, "Two fire engines from Stockton Fire Station were in attendance. Crews left the scene at 13.07pm.

"There has been assurance that the release of the gas quickly dispersed within the atmosphere resulting in no off-site implications for members of the public.”

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