Potentially deadly asbestos has been uncovered by contractors working at Runwell Hospital.

The material - believed to be the more hazardous blue variety - was found in ducts in a corridor of the Wickford hospital's medium secure wing which is being renovated by a team from Basildon-based builders Haynes and Smith.

Site manager Tony Humphries, who thinks it is the most dangerous kind of asbestos, said the material had previously been sealed in and had posed no risk to patients and staff.

He added "The Health and Safety Executive and safety officers have been informed and specialists have been down to take samples for analysis. We are now awaiting the outcome."

In the meantime, the asbestos has been blocked off and re-sealed.

Mr Humphries said: "There is absolutely no risk, otherwise I would not have let my guys work in there."

Brian Blake, director of estates for Southend Community Care Trust, said he thought the asbestos would turn out to be white, not blue. He was expecting the results back today.

Mr Blake said: "We have not had blue asbestos in the hospital to date, although we have found bits and pieces around the site.

"Whichever variety it turns out to be, the same procedure will take place. A specialist company will be brought in to remove it under controlled conditions. We are used to dealing with it. Unfortunately when the hospital was built 60 years ago, asbestos was used to insulate pipework.

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