THREE waste removal workers have been injured in a "hazardous materials incident" at Belbins business park, Romsey.

On the morning of October 10, police, fire services and ambulances were called out to the Test Valley Borough Council depot where eyewitnesses saw emergency workers in hazmat suits, while those working on the estate were told not to leave their offices.

It was later confirmed that a "chlorine substance" which formed in the rubbish collected by the workers had spilt out onto some of them while they were doing their rounds.

One of those who suffered injuries is in hospital, while the other two are recovering at home.

READ MORE: Romsey roads closed after reports of gas leak

Fire crews attended the scene for several hours (Image: Maya George) A police spokesperson said: "We were called at 9am to a report that three people had suffered minor injuries after being exposed to a potentially hazardous substance at an address in Belbins business park, Cupernham Lane, Romsey. The scene was stood down at 10.52am."

Police were also keen to confirm there was no explosion.

Test Valley Borough Councillor Nick Adams-King said: "You might have seen there was an incident involving the emergency services earlier today at Belbins.

"One of TVBC's waste crews picked up rubbish on their round, which, when loaded into the waste collection vehicle, caused a chemical reaction that produced a chlorine substance.

"As the nature of the chemical was initially unknown, the team returned to their base at Bourne House and called the fire service and ambulance.

"The incident has now been scaled down and we are clearing the contaminated items."

SEE ALSO: Belbins business park in Romsey closed due to 'hazardous' incident

He added: "Our crews are going out to complete the waste collection round, so all bins scheduled to be collected today will be emptied as normal, if perhaps a little later than usual.

"Thanks to TVBC's brilliant bin collection crews for continuing their rounds and all good wishes to the three members of staff who were affected by the gas."

Matt Pile, who works at Aviation Spares and Repairs on the Belbins estate, said: "I can see it from the window – it's a serious incident. There are people in hazmat suits."

In July, Belbins was shut down because of a major gas leak due to an issue with one of SNG's mainline pipes supplying the southeast of the country.