UPDATE: Staff evacuated after Sidmouth chemical leak

Staff at businesses complained of being sick after a chemical leak in Sidmouth which put one man in hospital.

Eyewitnesses said four fire engines and five ambulances rushed to deal with the spillage at Regency dry cleaners off Fore Street.

Nearby shops such as The Filling Station, Sporting Images and the National Trust were evacuated this afternoon, but have since been able to re-open.

A sign in Trumps however says it will remain closed due to the spillage at the dry cleaners in Cross Lane.

Staff at the National Trust shop contacted the fire service around noon because of the smell caused by the leak, and were told to leave the premises and open all windows and doors.

After being checked by paramedics the employees were allowed back into the shops around 3.15pm.

But a spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fiore and Rescue said one man was taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital by ambulance as a precaution after complaining of a headache.

The spillage has been contained and crews are now dealing with the clean-up of the fluid at the premises in Cross Lane.

See www.sidmouthherald.co.uk for further updates.