Homes evacuated and A71 closed after chemical spill

Six houses were evacuated and a major road closed after a chemical spill on an industrial estate.

Part of the A71 was closed in both directions near the Whitehill Industrial Estate in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, about midday.

Other nearby residents were warned to stay indoors and close their windows.

Strathclyde Police said they had received a report of a "chemical release" within an industrial unit and the evacuation and road closure was a precaution.

There were no reports of injuries. The road was still closed last night and the people who live in the six houses in Hurlford Road were waiting for permission to return to their homes.

Police were contacted at about midday over the chemical release at the premises of Mahle Engineering Systems.

Inspector Robert Smith said: "I would like to reassure the public that nobody has been injured and there is no immediate danger to the public at this time.

"However, I would urge any residents near Whitehill Industrial Estate, to stay indoors where possible. Close all windows and listen to local radio stations for further updates."