A SOUTHAMPTON neighbourhood was at the centre of a chemical scare today after a potentially radioactive container was unearthed.

The small, potentially-hazardous chemical container - said to be the size of a Coke can - was discovered by a member of the public near Shirley and Millbrook Conservative Club at around 11am.

Firefighters were alerted after it was discovered the canister bore the yellow radioactive symbol.

Emergency services rushed to the scene where they set up a 100m cordon around the site in Anglesey Road, Shirley.

Police officers sealed off Anglesey Road at its junction with Shirley Road, and nearby Griffin Road and Sydney Road were also shut.

Firefighters from St Mary's fire station carried out a full risk assessment of the area.

A spokeswoman for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said that teams of Hazardous Materials officers from both the fire brigade were working together to uncover more details about the container.

She added that Environment Agency officers had also been informed.