SPECIALIST firefighters have been dealing with a cyanide leak in Devon this evening.

Crews wearing gas-proof chemical suits were called to Tyco Electronics in East The Water, near Bideford, after 200l of potassium cyanide leaked into an overflow tank.

The chemical is normally stored on site to strip metal. The potassium cyanide was mixing with water and acids in a storage room, giving off potassium cyanide gas.

The National Chemical Emergency Centre, the Environment Agency and Scientific Services from Somerset County Council were also drafted in to help.

Shortly after 8pm the spillage had been cleaned up by trained Tyco employees and firefighters using two breathing apparatus in chemical liquid gas tight suits.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the incident was resolved by 9.15pm.

A spokesman said: "The chemical spillage was dealt with, primarily, by Tyco staff trained in dealing with the hazardous materials stored on their site.

"Tyco staff quickly located and dealt with the leak, with the assistance of fire crews wearing breathing apparatus and donned in gas tight suits.

"This incident has now been left in the hands of competent Tyco staff.

"This chemical spillage was contained within the factory itself.

"Tyco staff carried out regular risk assessments throughout the incident and at no point was there any risk to members of the public."