AN industrial site in Hereford was closed off by the police because of a "suspected chemical incident".

The Hereford Times carried reports yesterday on the cordon at the entrance to the yard where Mortimer Road and Burcott Road meet.

Wye Valley NHS Trust has now confirmed that the closure was down to a "suspected chemical incident" and that a number of people working on the site were treated in Hereford County Hospital's Emergency Department.

These patients were isolated from others in the hospital and put through a "decontamination process".

A Trust spokesman said: “The Emergency Department has remained open and there was no risk to other patients. However, the Trust is urging people to consider alternative NHS services for minor illnesses and ailments including local pharmacies, GP surgeries, and call 111 if advice is needed but it is not life threatening.

“We have tried and tested plans in place for this type of incident and we would like to thank our staff for their timely response.”

Staff on the site currently being used by the Dutch company, Boels Rental, first noticed there was a problem on Wednesday evening.

The incident was also reported to Public Health England (PHE) West Midlands and a spokesman said people working on Mortimer's Trade Park in Holmer were exposed to dust from sandblasting operations.

The spokesman added: “Anyone that has been exposed to dust from the site, but has not experienced any symptoms, does not need to attend hospital.

"If you have been in contact with the dust, you should wash any work clothes on a hot wash for three cycles.

“Anyone who attended hospital for decontamination and was provided with gloves and wipes, we advise to bag these items and place in their normal domestic waste.

"If anyone thinks they may have introduced dust into their home, we recommend they vacuum any noticeable dust.

"The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is working with the site owners and reviewing health and safety practices.”

The site was empty when the Hereford Times visited this morning.