Dozens of people treated for breathing difficulties after suspected chemical spill in Kent

More than 40 firefighters and multiple air ambulances attend Maidstone farm

(UK News In Pictures/YouTube)

Dozens of people have been treated for breathing difficulties after a suspected chemical spill at a farm in Kent.

Paramedics assisted 57 people, thought to be fruit packers, who have been affected at Rumwood Green Farm near Maidstone, with five fire engines, air ambulances and a specialist chemical unit also in attendance.

It is believed those treated had experienced exposure to carbon monoxide, and more than 40 firefighters were on hand while experts established what the chemical was.

By 6pm, 45 people were still being treated and one person has been taken to hospital. The incident was contained to the site, Kent Fire and Rescue Service said in a statement.

One bystander reportedly described nearby Maidstone Hospital as being on “lockdown” in response to the leak.

“Nobody is being allowed into the hospital and big white hazard tents have been set up outside,” 32-year-old businessman Richard Hurley, who had been at the hospital for an appointment, told KentOnline.​

Two other hospitals in the area had been put on standby as a result of the incident.

A Kent Police spokesperson said: “Kent Police were contacted by South East Coast Ambulance Service at 2.49pm regarding reports of a suspected chemical leak at a commercial site near Sutton Road, Langley, Maidstone.

“Officers are at the scene along with the Kent Fire and Rescue Service and ambulance crews, and are offering assistance where needed.”