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Leak at Barry chemical plant prompts large emergency companies response

A leak at Barry chemical plant in South Wales prompted a huge emergency services response as residents were ordered to ‘close their windows’. 

South Wales Police were called to reports of a chemical leak at around 4.30pm this afternoon at Dow Corning in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan.

Fire and Rescue also attended with several crews at the scene, before issuing the statement for people in the Dinas Powys, Sully and Penarth areas to keep their windows closed as a ‘precautionary measure’. 

On social media pictures of the plant appeared to show a ‘white cloud’ surrounding the site. 

The site has now been given the all clear, as the force thanked residents for their cooperation.  

A leak at Barry chemical plant in South Wales has prompted a huge emergency services response with residents being ordered to 'close their windows'

A leak at Barry chemical plant in South Wales has prompted a huge emergency services response with residents being ordered to ‘close their windows’

Residents in Dinas Powys, Sully and Penarth areas have been affected

Residents in Dinas Powys, Sully and Penarth areas have been affected

It is understood that around 630 people currently work at the facility, which has been producing silicone since 1952. 

Dow Corning, an international chemical company has sites in Barry and Manchester, but the plant in Barry is the biggest operation for silicone manufacturing outside of the USA. 

A statement from South Wales Police said: ‘Please be advised that there has been a chemical leak at Dow Corning in Barry and residents in the Dinas Powys, Sully and Penarth areas are advised to close doors and windows as a precaution while the matter is being dealt with. Thank you for patience at this time.’