The cause of a chemical leak that sparked a huge emergency response in Oxford today has been revealed.

Four fire engines and multiple police cars swarmed around the attraction on Oxpens Road and police threw a 100metre cordon around the entire area.

A "decontamination and environmental protection unit" was among the vehicles at the scene. 

Staff at the ice rink were evacuated as a precaution while the incident was investigated.

More Leisure Community Trust, which operates the attraction on behalf of Oxford City Council, has confirmed the leaked substance was ammonia.

The rink was closed to the public on Saturday for two weeks for work to relay the ice.

A More Leisure Community Trust spokesperson said: “We can confirm that a minor ammonia leak occurred at Oxford Ice Rink earlier today.

"The cause of the leak has been identified as a loose valve in the plant room, which has now been fixed.

“As the site is currently closed for planned work to improve the facility by relaying a new ice pad, customers were not affected by the leak.

“Staff at the ice rink were evacuated as a precaution while the incident was investigated, but at no point were any employees in danger.

"Also as a precaution, members of the emergency services were in attendance, and we would like to thank them for their prompt response.

“We now look forward to reopening the centre with brand-new relayed ice, on August 30th as planned.”