FIRE crews were called to a chemical spill at a plastics company in Gloucester this morning after a forklift truck overturned, causing battery acid to leak out.

Two engines from Gloucester, one from Stroud and the Environmental Protection Unit (EPU), also from Stroud, attended the incident at Goodridge Business Park at 8.30am today.

They found the forklift on its side and hydrochloric acid pooling next to the vehicle. After evacuating the business, which supplies UPVC products, the Environment Agency was informed and firefighters cleared up the spill using chemicals from the EPU.

The forklift was righted and the area was made safe by 10.30am.

Chief Fire Officer Jon Hall said: “A chemical spill is a relatively rare occurrence, but we have to be fully prepared at all times.

We have the EPU stationed in Stroud for that very reason and firefighters are trained to deal with environmental incidents of all sizes.

“Fortunately, this was a small spill that was dealt with very quickly and without further complications.”

Cllr Will Windsor-Clive, cabinet member for fire, planning and infrastructure, said: “This wasn’t a routine incident, but it was one we are perfectly equipped to respond to in the county. I’m grateful to the crews that acted quickly and decisively to make the area safe.”