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Chemical leak at Moorways Sports Village in Derby as people struggle to breathe

Around 12 people are reported to be experiencing breathing difficulties following a 'potential chemical leak' at a leisure centre and water park in Derby

[Caption: Moorways live updates as Derby leisure centre and water park evacuated after 'potential chemical leak' ]

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Ambulance, police and fire crews raced to the scene(Image: DerbyshireLive)

Fire crews have rushed to the scene of a "potential chemical leak" at a leisure centre and water park in Derby, where around 12 people are reported to be experiencing breathing difficulties.

Emergency Services were called to Moorways Sports Village, in Moor Lane, Allenton, at 1.38pm on Thursday. Those at the leisure centre are being evacuated as a precaution.

Drivers have also been advised to "avoid the area" and find alternative routes.

Around 12 people are reportedly experiencing breathing difficulties and are being assessed by paramedics, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said.

Crews from at least four stations are at the scene along with a specialist Environmental Protection Unit from Stockhill.

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A specialist Environmental Protection Unit is at the scene(Image: Google Maps)

Slow traffic is building in the area as Osmaston Park Road is currently closed to the junction with Moor Lane due to the emergency response, reports Derbyshire Live.

A mum who was at the waterpark with her son described the moment people began coughing in the changing rooms because of the "dry" atmosphere.

She said: "I don't really know what happened. We was in the waterpark and my son said he was getting headache.

"My throat felt really dry and made me start coughing so we went into the inflatable pool but we left at 1.40pm.

"But in the changing rooms loads of people were coughing, so we hurried up out of there."

Several ambulance, police and fire trucks were pictured outside the building this afternoon, where swimmers were also seen wrapped in foil.

A woman at the scene said dozens were evacuated from the building while swimming at around 1.30pm. One person has been seen being taken to an ambulance on a stretcher.

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Moorways Sports Village in Derby(Image: Google Maps)

A spokesperson for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Emergency services are currently dealing with an incident at a leisure centre on Moor Lane in Allenton.

"Firefighters from Ascot Drive, Kingsway, and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service Stapleford stations are in attendance supported by a specialist Environmental Protection Unit from Stockhill.

"They are working closely with colleagues from Derbyshire Constabulary and East Midlands Ambulance Service who are also in attendance."

"The leisure centre is being evacuated as a precaution while emergency services deal with the incident.

"At present, around 12 people have been reported as experiencing breathing difficulties and are being assessed by paramedics.

"Osmaston Park Road is currently closed to the junction with Moor Lane. Please avoid the area and find alternative routes."

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