FIVE people were taken to hospital with breathing difficulties after being exposed to an unknown 'toxic' chemical at an Oxford research lab. 

South Central Ambulance Service also treated the patients for runny eyes after the chemical spill at the Chemical Research Laboratory in Mansfield Road.

Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service sent crews to the laboratory after being told people had been 'exposed to a potentially toxic chemical substance.'

Ambulance crews also attended at 10.08am this morning with a hazardous area response team, two officers in rapid response vehicles, an ambulance and the Thames Valley Air Ambulance emergency response vehicle sent to the scene.

Fire service crews and in-house research specialist staff made the scene safe until more detailed chemical information was determined.

All five people were taken to the John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford for further assessment, but have since been discharged.

Oxford Mail:

Spokesman for SCAS David Gallagher said: "The five patients were not seriously unwell as a result of the accident but were displaying minor symptoms following the exposure to the chemicals involved.

"After initial assessment and treatment at the scene, they were then all taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital for further observation."

A spokeswoman for Oxford University confirmed the incident had taken place but said it was contained to a single lab and involved a 'very tiny amount of chemicals.'

She added there was no risk to outside individuals, and normal activities have resumed in the building.