A CHEMICAL leak at a North Yorkshire business has been brought under control.

The incident occurred at Standard Way industrial Estate in Northallerton and emergency services were called to the scene at 6am.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said this afternoon: "Following a joint operation by North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, the incident has now been brought to a safe conclusion.

"The cordon has now been lifted and local residents are free to go outside and open their windows. The fire service are still present inside the 3M building but the exterior is now free from any fumes.

"Pedestrians and motorists are now free to enter the Standard Way Industrial estate."

Police and fire officers said they would like to thank members of the public and local businesses for their patience and understanding during the incident.

Inspector John Wilkinson of Hambleton Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: "Thanks to the cooperation, understanding and patience of local people and businesses we were able to bring the incident to a safe and swift conclusion. "Police and fire officers worked together to ensure disruption and inconvenience was kept to a minimum. The chemical released was a mild irritant and there was no risk of harm to members of the public."

Group Manager Carl Boasman of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service added: “We would like to echo the thanks given to local residents and business for their co-operation. The incident is currently being handed over to external agents as part of the clean-up operation.”