WORKERS had to be evacuated after a massive poisonous chemical leak.

More than 150 people had to leave Milliken Industrials factory in Wellington Street, Bury.

Around 700 litres of formaldehyde swamped the shop floor after container was punctured.

Firefighters wearing protective chemical suits were brought in to deal with the incident at 10am yesterday.

They soaked up the clear, toxic liquid, used in the manufacture of latex, with sand and a special peat-like substance.

Brian Preston, chief divisional officer, said officers worked through the day and evening to clear the scene.

He said: "Formaldehyde is an irritant and is very poisonous.

"Firefighters have been working in pairs to clean-up the chemical.

"Protection suits have been worn to stop officers from coming into contact with the substance.

Bosses at Milliken held a series of training sessions and meetings to keep the factory workers occupied during the evacuation.

A company spokesman said: "The factory was evacuated as a precaution.

"Thanks to the quick response of people involved and the emergency services, the spill was contained within the immediate area.

"There was never anyone in danger."