MORE than 100 workers were evacuated from a Radcliffe factory after highly toxic chemicals escaped and threatened to contaminate the local water supply. A special firefighting team using highly specialised equipment and wearing protective clothing was called to Intex on Dumers Lane, Radcliffe, shortly after 6.30pm last night.

The team, based at Farnworth, had to react quickly to contain highly reactive chemicals which were escaping from several drums on the textile factory site.

Sub Officer Michael Sutherland said the chemical, which reacts when coming into contact with moisture and which is highly toxic, was in danger of escaping and polluting the water supply. Using special equipment the team had to neutralise the chemicals and then deal with the gases which were escaping.

Wearing breathing apparatus and protective suits the team made the site safe.

Sub Officer Sutherland said: "We had to make sure it did not enter the water supply.

"Considering the chemical we were dealing with and the very real danger it represents, the team acted magnificently.

"They are a highly skilled set of lads who dealt with what could have been a very serious incident in a highly professional manner."

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