Watford General was part evacuated after a chemical spill in its maternity unit left people needing treatment in A&E.

Emergency services rushed to the Vicarage Road site after reports of a cleaning chemical spill at 10.35am today (January 26).

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust confirmed there had been an "accidental mixing of cleaning fluids" and people needed A&E treatment.

Watford Observer: Watford General HospitalWatford General Hospital (Image: UGC)

The trust said it could not confirm who required attention or how badly injured they were due to confidentiality, but Herts Fire and Rescue Service said the fumes had "caused some problems for staff".

Three fire engines and a decontamination unit were at the scene, alongside ambulances and police.

A spokesperson for the trust said: “We would like to thank our staff, police and fire and rescue colleagues for their prompt and efficient response.”

They reassured the public that the hospital is working closely with the fire service to coordinate a response.

Watford Observer: Emergency services at Watford General HospitalEmergency services at Watford General Hospital (Image: Screenshot from video posted to Twitter)

The trust said patients were not evacuated and there was no disruption to A&E, but Herts Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the immediate area was evacuated, while footage showed a section of the hospital cordoned off outside.

Women in labour or requiring urgent care were asked to arrive as normal.

“If you have a maternity, paediatric or ophthalmology appointment this afternoon, please assume it is going ahead but be prepared for a delay to your appointment time,” the spokesperson added.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue called a stop to the incident at around 3.35pm and then left shortly after.

The hospital trust confirmed at around 5.15pm that all services are running as normal.

Watford Observer: Fire engine at Watford General HospitalFire engine at Watford General Hospital (Image: Screenshot from video posted to Twitter)

Watford Observer: Emergency services outside Watford General HospitalEmergency services outside Watford General Hospital (Image: Screenshot from video posted to Twitter)

Watford Observer: Police outside Watford General HospitalPolice outside Watford General Hospital (Image: UGC)