Chemical spill at abandoned factory

FIREFIGHTERS were called out to deal with a dangerous chemical spill at a factory due for demolition.

Hydrofluoric acid had spilled from a plastic container left on the site at the former Ventura Works in Auckland Street, Burslem.

Crew manager Jeff Bailey, from Burslem Fire Station, said: "About three litres of it had spilled. Hydrofluoric acid dissolves glass, metal, it causes a gas to come off metal. If you get it on your skin it will burn through to the bone and you could even lose a limb.

"We wore chemical suits and two firefighters wore breathing apparatus. We covered it in an absorbing material, which will make it safe. It will be professionally cleaned up."

Firefighters received the call at just after 9am today and remained at the scene for about two hours.