POLICE have reopened a busy road after finding "nothing of concern" following reports of a chemical incident.

Fire crews had joined police officers and medics in responding to the incident, in Magdalen Street.

The road was cordoned off at the junction of St Botolph's Circus and  Aldi, in Magdalen Street, was evacuated.

Fire crews had responded to what has been labelled a 'chemical incident'.

But Essex Police have no confirmed the road has been reopened.

The emergency services had been called after a man said he had come into contact with a hazardous substance.

A spokesman for the police said: "Precautionary measures were put in place and nothing of concern was found.

"There is no risk to the public Road now open

"Thanks again for your patience."
 

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One resident said: “They have wired off the back of the court.

“They have called everybody. There must be at least 15 to 20 vehicles there from fire to police and ambulances.

“The traffic is horrendous. They have closed the road from St Botolph’s Circus towards the Hythe although traffic can come into town from that direction.

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“It looks like it is a chemical incident to me."

Another resident added: "A fireman told me they were responding to a chemical incident.

"I have no idea if I'm safe at home.

"There are so many police cars there it's untrue and the ambulances are backing up."

The road is reopened but residual delays are expected to continue.

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