Military tackles major chemical spill

Military crews turned out to the chemical spillage

There has been a massive chemical spill in the Avonmouth area of Bristol.

Acid has spilled into a sewage works and into surrounding streets.

Tankers are at the site, at Pickfords Vanguard, recovering the acid and neutralising it.

A military Green Goddess is standing by.

The acid spilled on to the ground

The emergency started at 1500 GMT on Friday when Green Goddesses were called to deal with a spill of sulphuric acid.

It is believed water was added to what was thought to be 2,000 litres of diluted acid.

In fact, it was 98% concentrate causing a chemical reaction, which resulted in a huge plume of gas.

Local water company Wessex Water has said there is no danger of the acid getting into the water supply.

Pumping station

Gillian Winstone, spokesperson for Wessex Water, said: "There is no concern at the moment.

"Wessex Water is monitoring the pumping station, in case any of it goes into the sewers.

"There is no danger of it getting into the water supply as this is totally separate."

Environment Agency officials are also on site and dealing with the incident.