People have been told to stay away from Queen Emma's Dyke and the River Windrush in Witney after a chemical leak.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue crews were called in the early hours today after reports chemicals were leaking from a factory in Avenue One into a stream.

Five fire engines were sent along with a specialist hazardous materials vehicles to help identify the chemicals, stop the leak and protect the environment.

Crews used clay mats to prevent the chemicals going down a storm drain and plastic bunding to contain the leak.

Station Manager Simon Belcher said: "Fire crews worked hard as part of a multi- agency approach to stem the leak at its source and prevent further damage to the environment."

The Environment Agency will be investigating the leak over the coming days.

A spokesman said: "The water in the area around Emma’s Dyke and the River Windrush may be discoloured (Brown / Red).

"People should not enter the water or drink directly from these watercourses.

"We will be carrying out further testing, over the next few days, to monitor the watercourses and ensure that the pollution has been stopped and contained."