PART of Oxford Brookes University's Headington campus was evacuated earlier today following a chemical leak at the Sinclair Building.

Staff and students were told to leave the site at 11am today.

At 1.30pm spokeswoman Natalie Gidley said: "It's as a result of an incident involving a chemical spill in one of the labs in the Sinclair building.

"The building has been temporarily closed and evacuated and we think it will be shut for two or three hours."

The science building is currently being refurbished along with the Clerici building to create new teaching and research laboratories.

Crews from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue were called just before 11am and three fire engines were sent to the scene from Slade, Abingdon and Didcot.

A Hazardous Decontamination Unit has also been sent to the site from Didcot.

South Central Ambulance Service was also sent to the scene.

County council spokesman Paul Smith said: "Firefighters are describing it as a chemical/hazardous material incident. Specialist Oxon Fire and Rescue officers for this type of incident have also been at the scene.

"The situation is under control and has been made safe and firefighters expect to be able to leave the scene within the next hour.

"One man was treated at the scene for breathing difficulties by South Central Ambulance Service."

People had returned to the building by 3.30pm.