A MAJOR gas leak at a factory caused 230 workers to be evacuated.

Four fire engines were sent to the scene at Dobson Park Industrial Estate, Wigan, at around 6.30pm yesterday when a problem caused ammonia to leak in part of the Bakkavor Meals (formerly Hitchen Foods) factory.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus went into the building and were able to isolate the leak during the evening.

Ambulance crews were also called and ten people were sent to hospital as a precaution although none as believed to have serious injuries.

Authorities say the air quality has been tested by monitoring systems and there is no cause for concern for the local area.

Fire engines left the scene at around 11.30pm and crews said they had worked with engineers to prevent any further leaks but would assess the situation in the morning.

Officer in Charge, Station Manager Craig Pinder said: “We are working closely with our partner agencies at this incident to ensure that the area is safe and that the leak has been isolated."

He added: “I would like to thank all those involved at this incident for their hard work.”