A specialist decontamination unit and two fire engines were called to a hotel in Bapchild following reports of a chemical leak.

Crews arrived at Hempstead House Hotel, in London Road, just before 7.30am this morning after an employee noticed a chemical was leaking from a filter in the pool maintenance room.

A specialist hazard materials officer from Kent Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene but after assessing the situation declared the scene safe. Doors were opened to ventilate the room which measured approximately a metre and a half by five metres long.

An ambulance was called to the scene to check over two members of staff who entered the room but they were given the all clear at the scene.

Fire crews left the scene just before 9am.

Hempstead House declined to comment.