Four taken to hospital after chemical alert
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Ian Shoesmith
North West
Four people have been taken to hospital after a hazardous substance alert at a recycling centre.
Fire crews and a number of ambulances arrived at the scene on an industrial estate in Kirkby on Merseyside at about 10:30 GMT.
Merseyside Fire And Rescue Service (MFRS) said "an unknown chemical linked to animal feed" had "caused a dust plume to fill the recycling centre".
Suez, the company that runs the site, said the site was evacuated as a precaution.
Three fire engines were sent to the site, on Woodward Road.
MFRS said "all persons were evacuated and accounted for, an outer cordon was established, and MFRS crews liaised with on-site staff".
Victoria Crabtree, regional manager for SUEZ in the UK, said: "Earlier this morning, incorrectly disposed of hazardous waste subsequently identified as an irritant was discovered.
"The facility bulks up household and commercial waste from across Merseyside and transfers it to an energy-from-waste facility via train where it is burnt and generates electricity.
"The site was evacuated as a precautionary measure and emergency services were contacted, with all staff on site being assessed by medical teams.
"We are thankful for the swift response of the emergency services and will assess resuming operations once it is safe to do so."
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