Emergency services have left the scene of a chemical spill at the Old Tannery, off Norwich Road, near the Mid Norfolk Railway station in Dereham.

Eastern Daily Press: Emergency services attend an address off Norwich Road in Dereham after reports of a chemical spill. Photo: Sonya DuncanEmergency services attend an address off Norwich Road in Dereham after reports of a chemical spill. Photo: Sonya Duncan (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

Members of the police, fire service and East of England Ambulance Service were called to the scene at around 11.40am.

A spokesperson for Norfolk County Council said: 'Appliances from Dereham with the Environmental Protection Unit attended a hazardous chemical spillage. Police and Ambulance also attended.'

'The incident was contained within the premises and there is no risk to local residents. The stop message is now in and appliances are leaving the scene. One appliance will remain on scene for the time being.'

Eastern Daily Press: Emergency services attend an address off Norwich Road in Dereham after reports of a chemical spill. Photo: Sonya DuncanEmergency services attend an address off Norwich Road in Dereham after reports of a chemical spill. Photo: Sonya Duncan (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

Watch manager Duncan Barrow said the incident was contained within a top floor flat of the Old Tannery.

'We understand it was reported by the owner of the flat,' he said. 'No-one was injured but the forensics team will be carrying out further tests to determine what the chemical was.'

Earlier in the day Norfolk County Council confirmed that they had been called to reports of a possible chemical hazard at a property on Norwich Road in Dereham and were working with the ambulance service and police. There is no risk to local residents.'

Nobody wasallowed to enter or leave the residential area behind the Old Maltings until 3.30pm when residents were told they could leave, or return to their properties.

Samantha Day, 27, is a resident of the Nursery buildings off Norwich Road. About 12.45pm two police officers knocked on her door and told her nobody was to go in or out because of a chemical spill.

'I was about to go out and they [the police] came knocking round and said don't leave there's been a huge spill, I thought it might have just been some oil from the train station and it might just take a second to clean up but apparently it's all down Norwich Road and no-one can leave their houses.

'It's a bit worrying to say the least. I'm not feeling great about it because I've got two kids and I haven't got any milk, or water or nappies or anything I was about to go to the shop so I'm hoping its not going to be too long because they haven't got anything to drink and I'm not going to risk drinking the tap water.'

Russell Mortlock had been out at Watton Saleroom to buy tools and was trying to get home but was stopped by police from driving past the maltings to his house.

The 79-year-old said he was initally planning to sit it out in his car.

'I think I will have to go to Morrison's for my dinner,' he said.

'My daughter is due home at 2pm and she won't be able to get in either.

Emergency services have been unable to provide any more details at present.

More updates to follow.

Do you have any information about the incident?

E mail adam.lazzari@archant.co.uk