Detailed statements from the emergency services

Following an incident threatening public safety, Oxford residents have been warned to avoid an area in the city centre.

Emergency services were called to the Oxford Ice Rink on Oxpens Road at around 9.35am this morning (Tuesday 20 August).

Five fire engines, five police cars and other fire brigade vehicles with blue lights flashing could be seen in front of the leisure complex.

Police cordoned off the path around the ice rink as well as the bridges and the forest behind the building, while the fire brigade cordoned off a 100 m wide area.

READ MORE: NINE fire and police vehicles rush to ice rink after chemical leak

Officers from Thames Valley Police cordoned off the nearby bridge. (Image: Newsquest)

The public was warned to avoid the area after emergency services discovered a chemical leak.

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: “Officers are currently assisting Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service with a chemical spill at the Oxford Ice Rink.

“The road is currently open, but please avoid the area if possible to ensure a safe working environment for all emergency personnel on site.”

A spokesman for Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called to Oxford Ice Rink at 9.35am this morning due to a chemical leak.

READ MORE: Police cordon off forest after emergency

“Four fire engines from Rewley Road, Abingdon, Kidlington and Slade Park fire stations are at the scene.

“The leak was safely contained and was located in the ice rink’s technical room, not in the public area.

“As a precaution, a 100-metre-wide barrier was erected.

“Some Oxfordshire County Council fire and rescue teams will remain on site as a precautionary measure.”

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