Mystery surrounds a possible chemical leak at a town centre estate agents.

Emergency services were called to St James Street in Accrington after reports of 'a haze' of fume emissions at Duckworths Estate Agents.

Five fire engines, police, paramedics and a specialist unit from Manchester were called to the scene at around 3.30pm on Saturday, October 18 and the area was cordoned off 'as a precaution'.

John Taylor, of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “When we got there there was some residue in the air and we went in wearing breathing apparatus but it had disappeared.

“It was an unknown substance that caused some irritation, perhaps an aerosol. It led to the staff in there getting concerned and they called the fire service.

"It's a mystery as to what it was and how it got in there. We don't know if it was malicious or not."

Two office workers and two firefighters were checked at the scene by paramedics and given the all clear.

Mr Taylor said the fire crews stayed at the scene for around three hours 'to try and clear up the mystery', however the cause was undetermined.

Lancashire Police they were called to the scene shortly after 4pm by the fire service to a report of fumes.