A CHEMICAL leak sparked a major emergency clean-up operation at Southampton docks this morning.
Specialist fire crews were called to the Freightliner yard, off Millbrook Road West, after a colourless, odourless liquid was discovered spilling from a container at 5.20am.
Police, the ambulance service and the environment agency were all informed as a hazardous materials incident was declared, with an exclusion zone set up around the affected area.
Two firefighters wearing protective suits were sent in to evaluate the situation, were they discovered a leaking drum within the container.
It is believed the substance was a sodium petroleum sulfonate, which is a rust inhibiting marine pollutant.
A total of 19 firefighters were called to the scene, including two crews from Redbridge and one from St Mary's, as well as a special equipment unit.
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