EXPERTS are still trying to pinpoint the chemical responsible for leaving two men suffering from blistered skin and vomiting today.

Initial reports suggested that three people had been affected during the incident in Banbury, but only two required treatment.

Specialist staff from South Central Ambulance Trust's chemical biological radioactive and nuclear (CBRN) Decontamination unit were called to the town to treat the victims before they could be admitted to The Horton Hospital.

It was thought a 45-gallon barrel of powder left in a car park close to Bridge Street might have caused their injuries, although a fire brigade spokesman said this was now thought to be "inert" and not harmful.

She said: "We don't even know if this barrel is the cause, and that their reactions are a delayed reaction from something else."

An area at the back of shops in Bridge Street was closed by paramedics.

Firefighters in Banbury cordoned off a car park and unloading bays behind shops in Bridge Street while they investigate the spillage.

First reports said an unknown liquid had leaked from a container at the rear of Specsavers Opticians, and had solidified on the tarmac in Malthouse Way.

A fire service spokesman said: "We do not know what the chemical is, and we are treating it with caution. Specialist officers are on their way and they will take samples and identify the substance."