THIS was the dramatic scene when a major town road closed amid fears about a chemical spillage.

Residents and businesses in Spring Lane, Malvern Link, were told to shut doors and windows after a substance in a canister leaked.

It is believed household chemicals were being mixed in the back of a landrover.

The people in the landrover fled the scene at about 10.30am.

A resident of the road, who did not want to be named, said: "They came round and told us to shut our doors and windows, they said something about chlorine.

"It's a windy day so I wasn't too flummoxed."

Another resident speculated the chemicals were being mixed to make weedkiller.

An eyewitness said there were six police cars, and several ambulances at the B&Q car park.

Firefighters were at the scene, and advised people to plan an alternative route away from Spring Lane.

The road re-opened at about noon.

Superintendent Damian Pettit, of South Worcestershire Police, said yesterday morning: "A substance has leaked from a canister, so we are advising members of the local community to keep their doors and windows closed."

Fire service group commander Stuart Crebbin, of Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, said the incident was caused by people carelessly mixing household chemicals.

"The lesson is, always read the label," he tells us.