A UNIT was evacuated at Blackburn Hospital last night after reports of a chemical spill turned out to be waste.

Firefighters were called to the scene at 6.20pm after fire alarms had been set off in the building.

Crew manager Anthony Harrison said: "It was believed to have been a chemical spillage in the pathology unit but it turned out to be some wax in the clinical waste.

"There were four appliances at the scene including a Hazardous Materials Officer in attendance.

"There was not a full evacuation but staff and patients from the Level 0 and pathology unit were evacuated.

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"No-one was hurt and we were there for about two hours."

John Bannister, Director of Operations at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust said:“The Trust can confirm that it dealt with an internal incident yesterday evening, following a suspected chemical leak.

"Alarms were triggered and safety procedures were implemented. This involved fire crews attending for support.

"The incident was quickly dealt with and stood down.

“No patients were affected by the incident and the hospital continued as normal throughout.”