Apology after event evacuated for carbon monoxide

The organiser says outside conditions seemed to affect airflow through the venue

The organiser of a motorsport event that had to be evacuated because of high levels of carbon monoxide has apologised.

People began to feel unwell during Motorsport with Attitude at the Staffordshire County Showground in Stafford after 13:00 GMT on Saturday.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said its equipment recorded high levels of carbon monoxide inside the main arena, which was evacuated as a precaution.

Motorsport with Attitude said lessons had been learned and that it would act on them in the future.

The event at the Staffordshire County Showground was evacuated

In a post on the event’s Facebook page, the organiser apologised for having to cancel the live-action event, which featured cars racing around the arena.

“Various lessons have been learned over the weekend which will be acted upon going forward," it said.

The organiser blamed the issue on a change in conditions outside during the third show, which it said seemed to restrict the airflow through the venue.

All doors and windows were opened and the extractor fan was going at "full tilt", according to the statement.

Motorsport With Attitude says its shows are aimed at racers and fans of all types of motorsport

Motorsport with Attitude said it would never knowingly put anyone at risk “in any way, shape or form”.

"Again, we apologise for any issues over the weekend and hope anyone who felt unwell is now feeling much better," it added.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed crews were called at about 13:45 GMT by someone in the arena who said they felt unwell.

The organiser and landowner were spoken to and given advice following the evacuation, the fire service said.