FIREFIGHTERS were called to deal with a chemical leak in Purfleet on Friday.

Four crews, from Orsett and Grays, reported that an unknown quantity of ortho phosphoric acid and hydrochloric acid was leaking from drums on a lorry.

Police closed Stonehouse Lane while the spillage was dealt with and an ambulance was also in attendance although there were no reported casualties.

At about 8.20pm, the incident commander reported that the lorry was carrying 360, 25 litre drums of chemical.

At about 9pm, crews reported that a decontamination unit had been set up.

Following a consultation the Service's scientific advisor and a brief from the Environment Agency relating to water runoff from the incident, fire-fighters in gas tight suits began the work of inspecting the vehicle and its contents with a view to clearing the spillage safely.

By about 10.40pm, crews had been unable to determine the source of the leak.

The vehicle was later taken off site to be dealt with by a specialist cleaning company.

The incident was cleared by about 11.10pm.