FIRE crews called to reports of a chemical spill at a Hampshire block of flats have described the incident as a false alarm.

A spokeswoman for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said there had been a small leakage of fuel oil at St James House in Orchard Lane, Southampton, but no liquids had entered the drainage system.

The area was cordoned off as a precaution and the spillage cleaned up and made safe by firefighters.

Five engines from St Mary's, Redbridge and Hightown, including a specialist equipment unit from St Mary's, attended the scene shortly before midday but left around 1.30pm.

The spokeswoman said no-one had been injured and the cause of the leakage was not yet known.