Emergency Services Respond to Hazardous Material Incident at Leicester Restaurant
Emergency services descended on London Road in Leicester this afternoon following reports of a hazardous material at a restaurant, leading to a full evacuation and a major police cordon. The incident prompted a swift response from Leicestershire Police, fire crews, and paramedics, with roads blocked off and the public urged to avoid the area.
Police Cordon and Road Closures Implemented
Leicestershire Police confirmed that London Road from Evington Road, city-bound, was closed to allow emergency services to deal with the incident. In a statement, the force advised motorists to find alternative routes and stated that updates would follow. A hazardous materials police unit was deployed to investigate the scene, although specific details about the nature of the material were not immediately disclosed.
A Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said, "Leicestershire Fire Service are currently in attendance with Leicestershire Police at an incident on London Road, Leicester. This is an ongoing incident, cordons are in place, please avoid the area."
Incident Resolved with No Injuries Reported
Later updates indicated that the situation was coming to a close, with no injuries reported. A follow-up message from the fire service read, "Update to incident on London Road, Leicester. Incident is coming to a close and scaling down, there were no injuries. Road will be open shortly." This reassurance came after initial fears of a hazardous substance, which led to the precautionary evacuation of the restaurant and surrounding areas.
This incident follows a similar scare in Loughborough last Wednesday, where a potentially hazardous substance was found inside premises on Baxter Gate. In that case, the property and nearby businesses were evacuated as a precaution, with emergency services sealing off part of the town centre. Leicestershire Police reported the Loughborough incident shortly after 1pm, and no serious injuries were confirmed.
A spokesperson for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service in the Loughborough incident stated, "A cordon has been put in place in Baxter Gate in Loughborough, following a report made shortly after 1pm that a potentially hazardous substance had been located inside business premises. The premises in question, along with others nearby, has been evacuated as a precaution. The cordon has been put in place to keep the public safe while emergency services respond to the incident."
The coordinated response in both incidents highlights the preparedness of emergency services in Leicestershire to handle hazardous material threats, ensuring public safety through swift evacuations and cordons.
