Wales chemical leak: Locals urged to stay indoors and shut windows

Residents in areas of south-east of Wales were warned to keep their doors and windows closed following a chemical leak.

South Wales Police issued a statement saying there had been a "checmical leak" at Dow Corning in Barry, as images of the scene showed what appeared to be white mist rising from the site. Residents in the area also reported seeing a white smoke-like beam of mist emerging from the plant.

The warning was in place for those in "Dinas Powys, Sully and Penarth areas" who were "advised to close doors and windows as a precaution" while the matter is being looked into. Shortly after the warning at around 5pm, the force confirmed the area had been given the all clear and thanked residents in the area for their cooperation. The white mist which was seen rising up from the Barry plant has also reportedly cleared.

Due to the weather, which has seen wind travelling east, locals in the Dinas Powys and Penarth areas were urged to keep their windows closed during the blaze. Dow Corning is an international chemical company based in Barry, but it also has a site in Manchester and produces silicone. The Barry facility is the biggest operation for silicone manufacturing outside of the USA.

Dinas Powys and Penarth are among areas impacted by the leak

The site has been producing silicone since 1952 and there are currenly 630 members of staff at at the plant. South Wales Fire and Rescue attended the scene and issued the same advice as police.

One of the affected residents spoke about the incident online, posting a photo of their children indoors while the family awaited updates from the police. The local wrote: "Inside, windows shut, waiting for the all clear from Dow chemical leak… so the children are podding broad beans #everycloud"

A statement from South Wales Police said: "Please be advised that there has been a chemical leak at Dow Corning in Barry and residents in the Dinas Powys, Sully and Penarth areas are advised to close doors and windows as a precaution while the matter is being dealt with. Thank you for patience at this time."

This is a breaking news story. Follow us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, Twitter, Facebook or visit The Mirror homepage.