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Eight people found inside tanker Eight people found inside tanker
(about 1 hour later)
Eight people have been taken to hospital with breathing difficulties after being found inside a chemical tanker in south-east London.Eight people have been taken to hospital with breathing difficulties after being found inside a chemical tanker in south-east London.
They were discovered when the driver stopped to check his load in Harrow Manor Way in Bexley, on Friday.They were discovered when the driver stopped to check his load in Harrow Manor Way in Bexley, on Friday.
Scotland Yard said the people were suffering as a result of breathing in gas created by the load, a powdered carbon-based chemical.Scotland Yard said the people were suffering as a result of breathing in gas created by the load, a powdered carbon-based chemical.
The Border and Immigration Agency has been informed about the incident.
It is understood the tanker had begun its journey in Germany.It is understood the tanker had begun its journey in Germany.
We are inspecting the tanker and using a scientific support unit to find out exactly what chemicals are involved London Fire Brigade Immigration agency
A 100-metre cordon has been put in place on a section of the dual-carriageway to allow fire crews to check the tanker. A 100m (328ft) cordon was put in place on a section of the dual-carriageway to allow the London Fire Brigade (LFB) to check the tanker.
London Fire Brigade said they were called at 0815 GMT to reports of a chemical incident. The Metropolitan Police (Met) spokesman said they were called by the driver after he had stopped to check his load.
A spokesman said: "We are inspecting the tanker and using a scientific support unit to find out exactly what chemicals are involved." He said no arrests have been made and officers remain at the scene examining the tanker, now parked on an underpass beneath Eastern Way in Abbey Wood.
The Metropolitan Police spokesman said they were called by the driver after he had stopped to check his load. London Ambulance Service (LAS) had sent a hazardous area response team, an air ambulance, four ambulances and a fast response car.
He said: "It is understood he was transporting a carbon-based substance.
"Approximately eight people were found in the rear of the tanker suffering from the gas effects of the load."
London Ambulance Service (LAS) sent a hazardous area response team, an air ambulance, four ambulances and a fast response car.
An LAS spokesman said the eight people were suffering "minor breathing problems" and have been taken to hospital.An LAS spokesman said the eight people were suffering "minor breathing problems" and have been taken to hospital.
The tanker is owned by H Freund, a German company with offices in Frechen, west Germany, and Runcorn, Cheshire.
The company said it was liaising with the authorities over the circumstances of the incident.
London Fire Brigade said they were called at 0815 GMT to reports of a chemical incident.