EMPLOYEES at Ambrosia Creamery in Lifton suffered breathing difficulties after a noxious gas escaped inside the factory last Friday.

The chemical was believed to be a very small amount of nitric acid and, as a precaution, approximately 60 members of staff went through a decontamination process.

Firefighters in breathing apparatus then entered the premises to ensure it was safe.

Fire appliances from Launceston, Tavistock, Holsworthy, Okehampton and Hatherleigh attended the incident.

The service special operations team and fire crews set up the decontamination units and the members of staff went through a shower unit and were given clean clothing. Eight people were taken to hospital by ambulance as a precaution.

The incident occurred just after 1pm and the road was closed for some time but fire officers said there was no risk to the public.

Fire crews have expressed thanks to the staff at Ambrosia for their patience and co-operation.