HUNDREDS of workers were told to leave Medway’s largest industrial estate on Monday after fears of a radiation leak.

A car carrying radioactive material was involved in a crash and it was initially feared radioactive particles may have escaped.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service, including its major incident support unit, paramedics and Kent Police, immediately shut down the area as a precaution.

Buildings in Sir Thomas Longley Road on the Medway City Estate, Strood, were evacuated and workers told to get in their cars and drive off the estate.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service’s hazardous material officer, Liam Hudson said: "We had reports of a vehicle carrying a radioactive source had been involved in a road traffic crash.

"We evacuated the area as a precaution, especially down wind from the vehicle and carried out an initial investigation of it.

"It was soon apparent the radioactive source was still protected in its casing and there was no risk to the public. We were able to let workers back into their offices at 2.15pm."

A spokesman for Kent Police added: "Kent Fire and Rescue Service called police just before 1.30pm after a Vauxhall Astra was involved in a collision in Sir Thomas Longley Road, Medway City Estate.

"The hazardous material, which was securely contained, has been removed from the vehicle in order to be taken away by a specialist company."