Six people have been treated by paramedics after hair dye sparked a chemical alert at a Folkestone hospital last night.

Fire crews wearing protective suits were called to the Royal Victoria Hospital, in Radnor Park Avenue, at just after 8pm.

Specialist officers and police were scrambled when an unknown substance was found in public toilets.

Around 20 firefighters were at the scene - as well as command and incident support units.

The substance was analysed and cleaned up by firefighters wearing chemical protection suits.

said samples were taken and have been passed to Kent Police for further investigation.Kent Fire and Rescue Service

However, a spokesman said it has been established the substance was hair dye.

Six people were treated by paramedics "as a precautionary measure" and no other injuries were reported.

Fire crews left the hospital after around three hours.