Ashford College evacuated after unknown chemical smell reported
14:23, 08 December 2020
updated: 15:36, 08 December 2020
A town centre college has been evacuated after an unknown chemical odour was reported.
Two fire engines and an ambulance crew were stationed outside Ashford College on Elwick Road from about 1.30pm.
Students on social media have said they were told it's a "toxic chemical leak".
Victoria Copp-Crawley, principal of Ashford College, said: “Fumes with smoke within one of the art and design studios at the College triggered our sensors today.
"Kent Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to this, and students and staff were all safely evacuated from the site. The fumes and smoke have now been cleared from the building.
"I’d like to pay tribute to the fire service for their quick actions, and also to our students and staff who remained calm and swiftly exited the building in an orderly fashion.”
Ashford College has since reopened.
Earlier, the Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: "We are responding to an incident in Elwick Road in Ashford, following reports of an unknown chemical smell.
"Two fire engines and a hazardous material officer have been sent to the scene.
"Officers from South East Coast Ambulance are also in attendance."
A police car stopped to see if it could assist, but the fire service handled the situation.
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