A PUB in Middlewich has been evacuated following a chemical incident.

Firefighters were called to The Big Lock Inn on Webbs Lane shortly after 9.30am this morning after receiving reports of a suspected hazardous gas leak from frozen nitrogen tanks in the cellar.

The building was evacuated and everyone was accounted for. An inner cordon was established as a precaution and gas and electrics were isolated.

Two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used a hose reel while investigating the source of the leak. One safety jet was also in place and the canal walk way was cordoned off behind the pub for safety.

Crews re-entered the cellar to check the cylinder pressure readings to see if they had stabilised and ventilated the area.

The pressure had reduced and electricity was turned back on with the reading showing as normal.

Firefighters are still at the scene monitoring the situation.

Staff have been allowed to re enter the building but the pub is still closed to the public until an engineer inspects the cylinders.

The tow path has re-opened.