Man's death sparks Leith chemical alert

THE death of a man is being treated as unexplained following the discovery of his body at an industrial estate.
Chemical alert at Stewartfield Industrial Estate. Picture: Niall Hassard/TwitterChemical alert at Stewartfield Industrial Estate. Picture: Niall Hassard/Twitter
Chemical alert at Stewartfield Industrial Estate. Picture: Niall Hassard/Twitter

The man was found in a car at the Stewartfield Industrial Estate in Edinburgh shortly after 7pm on Tuesday.

A major emergency services operation was sparked over fears regarding “harmful chemicals”.

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Police, firefighters and the ambulance service’s special operations response team were sent to the site off Newhaven Road, Leith, and businesses were evacuated.

Some people were locked inside their premises as officials in protective hazardous material suits combed the area.

Part of the site remains cordoned off.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Police in Edinburgh were called to the Stewartfield area shortly after 7pm on Tuesday March 1 following the discovery of a man’s body within a car.

“A multi-agency operation involving Police Scotland and Scottish Fire & Rescue Service resources took place due to concerns regarding the presence of harmful chemicals, and there is no risk to the wider public.

“The death is currently being treated as unexplained and inquiries are ongoing.”