AN investigation was under way today after a volatile liquid used in the production of petrol leaked into a borehole at Fawley oil refinery.

The Environment Agency was alerted after traces of a hydrocarbon called naphtha were found five metres below the surface at the 3,250-acre site.

An Esso spokesman said the contamination was confined to the refinery and did not represent a danger to the public.

He added: "An investigation to determine the source is under way by Esso's own specialists and a team of consultants, plus experts from the Environment Agency and New Forest District Council."