A CLEANUP operation is underway today after an oil spill at Hampshire's Fawley refinery.

The environment Agency has been called in after it was revealed around 20 barrels had been leaked from a shore-side pipeline at Esso's Marine Terminal.

A pre-planned "tier two" response has been set in motion and special booms and absorbent pads have been deployed in a bid to contain the spill.

But despite those measures traces of the refined product - in the form of a sheen of oil - have already been discovered on the shore between Warsash and Solent Breeze.

Around 3 cubic meters of heavy vacuum gas oil spilled out at around 9.20pm last night (Sunday).

An Esso spokesman said: "The incident happened whilst a ship was being unloaded. The offloading was immediately stopped and the pipeline valve closed.

"We are collecting any residual oil from the leak site until the pipe can be drained completely.

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The exact amount of oil spilled is being assessed.

"We immediately deployed our local oil spill response procedures and informed the Harbour Master and the relevant environmental agencies.

"Booms were deployed to contain the spill within the vicinity of the Marine Terminal and all efforts are being made to recover and disperse the oil as soon as possible.

"Checks were immediately conducted around the shoreline of Southampton Water and into the Solent and further checks will be taking place throughout the day.

"We regret to report that some oil was found on the shore at Warsash and we have informed Fareham Borough Council of the situation. Arrangements are currently underway to initiate a clean up.

"We continue to work with the Harbour Master and are diligently checking surrounding areas."

Specialist response teams have been called in by both Esso and VTS in Southampton.

Any members of the community with concerns should telephone Fawley Refinery Community Affairs on 023 8089 2511.