A CHEMICAL spill forced emergency services to shut roads in Bexleyheath this morning.

Four 25 litre cannisters were found in Gravel Hill at just after 6am and fireman in protective clothing were forced to close the road for 45 minutes to wash down the area.

The chemical was described by fireman as a detergent and they were thought to have fallen off the back of a passing lorry.

The road was closed at the Halcot Avenue junction at 7.30am until around 8.15 am and the incident involved appliances from Lewisham, Elton, Erith and Bexleyheath.