A poisonous cloud of gas escaped from a Bradford factory after a chemical accident last night.

A specialist firefighter trained to deal with hazardous materials was called in after smoke escaped from the Chris Teynes chemical factory in Rutland Street, Bradford. The accident happened when two chemicals used to make dishwasher powder were mixed undiluted, causing a burning chemical reaction.

Sub Officer Geoff Bakes, of Nelson Street Fire Station, said: "It was giving off a poisonous gas. It was so thick inside the factory you couldn't see your hand in front of your face. We didn't take any risks and blocked the road off.

"We sent two firefighters in wearing protective suits and they put out the reaction by diluting it with water spray."

Specialist hazardous materials officer Neil Butterworth said: "We put fans in and dispersed the smoke to stop the danger."