A CHEMICAL spill at a leisure centre near Brands Hatch led to the building being evacuated on Thursday.

The spill occurred in the treatment room of the Otium Health and Leisure Centre swimming pool, part of the Thistle Hotel, Brands Hatch.

At least three people were forced to leave the swimming pool following the scare and were escorted to a hotel room. No-one was injured or suffered any ill-effects as a result.

According to fire fighters who attended the scene, chloride was among the spilled chemicals.

Engineers from the centre and the fire officers managed to contain the chemicals in the plant room.

Seven fire engines from Dartford, Horton Kirby, Strood and Essex were called to the scene, including both crew carriers and those carrying specialist equipment.

An officer from Dartford Fire Brigade who attended the scene said: “We went to offer assistance and put in place our procedures for chemical spills as a precautionary measure.”

Officers were forced to use breathing apparatus and full body, gas-type suits to protect against any dangerous side effects to the chemicals.

The spill,which happened at around 10.30am, is now understood to have been cleared up. A faulty pump in the pool treatment room is believed to be responsible for the spillage.