Leaky parcel sickens postal workers

The substance is thought to be food flavouring

Fire crews were called to a Royal Mail sorting office after a leaking package caused workers to complain of headaches and streaming eyes.

Staff at the premises in Barrack Road, Northampton called the fire service at around 0215 GMT on Tuesday after an oily substance leaked from a package.

The substance, thought to be food flavouring, was identified as non-toxic and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus put the package in a sealed container.

A fire service spokesman said: "The package had already been taken outside into the open air and the first crew on the scene determined it was not hazardous."

No one was taken to hospital.

The package awaits collection by the addressee, a firm in Brixworth.