Updated 7pm - Firecrews secure chemicals in drum following leak at Helmsley hotel

The crews have managed to remove the chemicals and place them in a secure drum.

Firefighters, the ambulance service and North Yorkshire Police were called to the Feversham Arms at 1.13pm to an accidental chemical spill which had produced a gas.

Cordons have been put in place and the hotel and some neighbouring properties have been evacuated.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Fire Service said the spillage had been contained and there was no wider risk to the public.

The spokesman added: "Crews have managed to remove the chemicals and place them in a secure drum. Our fire crews will be leaving the scene shortly."

A local resident said there were a lot of emergency services outside the hotel.

"There are five fire engines, as many ambulances and several police marked vehicles," they added.

"Firecrews are going in to the building with breathing apparatus on, and having to check all rooms."

"The Black Swan appears to have the Feversham Arms guests in there again with a couple of ambulance crew in there."

A spokesperson for the Feversham Arms said: "This afternoon around 1.30pm the Feversham Arms had to evacuate due to a small chemical spill. The evacuation and subsequent arrival of the fire brigade was a precautionary measure and a safe guard for all staff, guests and local residents. The hotel has now reopened and would like to thank all of our guests and the emergency services."