Water staff hurt in chemical leak

The road to the water treatment works was closed

Three workers at a South West Water (SWW) treatment works in Devon are in hospital after breathing in a cloud of chlorine vapour.

The chemical had leaked from a holding tank at the Bovey Cross Water Treatment Works near Moretonhampstead.

SWW said there was no effect to the public water supply and it was not thought that the three workers were seriously injured.

People are advised to keep away from the area just south of the town centre.

Firefighters in chemical protection suits are at the site.

SWW said in a statement: "Tests have been carried out to confirm that there is no risk to public health or the local environment

"There is no affect to the public water supply and the water treatment process is still operating safely."

An investigation into the cause of the leak is under way and the Health and Safety Executive has been informed.

Two of the injured workers are from SWW and the other is a contractor.

They were taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and are expected to remain in hospital overnight.