Chelmsford serious incident: Police lockdown Essex road – all emergency services at scene
POLICE and emergency services teams have sealed off parts of Chelmsford after a major incident in the town.
Essex Police said "unknown chemicals" had been found inside a house after police cordoned off a road and row of houses. A spokesman said officers arrived at the scene at 7.30am when they spoke to a man who was left in the care of health professionals. Police were joined at the scene by ambulance and fire crews as well as forensics specialists.
The police spokesman said: “We were called shortly before 7.30am on Friday, January 1 with concerns for the welfare of a man at a flat in Rainsford Lane, Chelmsford.
“Emergency services attended and spoke to the man, who has been left in the care of health professionals.
“Due to the presence of unknown chemicals, firefighters carried out checks at the flat as a safety precaution.”
A police cordon was erected on A1016 just past the turning for Wheatfield Way where police were dealing with the incident.
The road was completely blocked by two fire engines, several police cars and forensic vans.
Bystanders said the situation appeared very serious.
Local residents told Essex Live emergency services began to arrive at the scene at around 8am.