Firefighters were called to a chemical leak at the Channel Tunnel site.

They were at the scene for more than four hours but the incident turned out to be minor and no services were disrupted.

Crews were called to an overground lorry park at the Cheriton terminal site at 6.30pm yesterday.

One of the 10-litre plastic barrels of corrosive liquid from a lorryload leaked but that container was safely disposed of.

But crews were there until 11pm.

Folkestone watch manager Vic Thorogood said: “It turns out to be only a small leak, just a cupful, and this was a mild acid form of liquid, which was low hazard.

“But it took time because we had to follow procedures and at first find out what we were dealing with. But there was no danger.”

Two fire engines from Folkestone were called along with one from Hythe.

No evacuation was needed and the leaking barrel was placed in a sealed container and take away by a specialist company.