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Police evacuate Summertown street over ‘chemical hazard’

Over 60 residents evacuated from street near Oxford college accommodation

Police closed off a street in Summertown and evacuated over 60 people this morning after discovering a potential chemical hazard.

While carrying out a routine arrest at a property in Elizabeth Jennings Way, police were alerted to the presence of the substance. They subsequently evacuated the house and the road at just after 5.16am.

Several Oxford colleges own student accommodation in the surrounding area. Nearby stand large blocks of Jesus and University second year accommodation, along with several Hertford owned houses. It is not thought that any students have been affected.

While no members of the public are known to have been affected, seven police officers did receive minor irritation. Two have been kept in hospital overnight as a result.

In a statement Thames Valley Police said that the property owner, a 34 year old man from Oxford, had been arrested at the scene. Officers are at the street, and will continue with their search and investigation throughout the day.

It is not believed that the incident is terror related.

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