AN INVESTIGATION is underway after a solvent spillage sparked an evacuation of staff working at a Darwen factory.

Fire crews were at Akzo Nobel, Hollins Road, for four hours on Tuesday night after between 500 and 1,000 litres of a solvent mixture used in the final paint manufacturing process was spilt.

It is thought the tank containing the substance had overflowed.

Around 12 firefighters wearing breathing apparatus worked from 6.30pm to clean up the spillage using 150 bags of absorbent materials to clear the substance from the Crown House building.

Full story in Wednesday's Lancashire Telegraph.