A chemical alert shut part of Medway Maritime Hospital this morning after a barrel of hydrogen peroxide overheated.

Firefighters were called to the incident in the Gillingham hospital’s laundry room shortly before 10.50am.

Four fire engines went to the scene along with one incident support unit.

A Medway Maritime Hospital spokesman said: "A barrel of hydrogen peroxide at the hospital’s laundry has become heated making it unsafe.

"As a precautionary measure, Kent Fire and Rescue were on site cooling the canister down in preparation for its removal. There is no direct risk to patients, staff and visitors."

Firefighters left the scene at 12.40pm and a spokesman said there was hardly any damage.

The service road at the back of the hospital, off Marlborough Road, was cordoned off by Kent Police. No evacuations were necessary.

Hydrogen peroxide is often used as a bleach or cleaning agent.