Tank museum hosts chemical response exercise

Volunteers played the part of victims during the chemical spill exercise

A military museum has hosted a training exercise to test the emergency services' response to a chemical incident.

Police, fire, ambulance, search and rescue teams and university paramedics took part in the exercise at the Tank Museum in Bovington, Dorset.

The fake scenario involved a forklift truck colliding with a chemical tanker carrying chlorine, resulting in a chemical leak, casualties and missing people.

The Tank Museum remained open throughout the event on Thursday and there was no risk to the public.

The exercise was made as realistic as possible with the help of special effects and volunteer "victims".

Sgt Matt Weldon, of Dorset Police, said: "These types of exercises are vital in testing the skills and reactions of our officers and staff, ensuring they are able to effectively respond to real-life scenarios.

"I would like to thank all those who took part..."

Museum head of visitor experience Rosanna Dean said: "We were delighted to assist emergency services and support the local community by hosting this important training exercise.

"This was held in a non-public area of our site, so we were able to keep the museum open as usual for our visitors."

Police, fire, ambulance and search and rescue teams took part in the exercise