A shop has been sealed off after a suspected hazardous chemical was discovered inside by a shocked new business owner.

UPDATE: click here for more pictures and the latest news from the scene.

Firefighters are currently on the scene and are soon expected to be removing what is believed to be a barrel of potassium cyanide from inside the empty building in Mayflower Way, Holtspur.

Kirsty Griffiths, who is hoping to open Lily Lou Lou Bridal Boutique at the former Time Piece shop next month, quickly escaped the building after the barrel containing “white crystals” fell on the floor.

She said: “We were cleaning out the old shop and in the middle of the wall was a chemical barrel which fell onto the floor.

“All of these white crystals came out and on the side of the container it said it was potassium cyanide.

“We got straight out of the building when we saw it and locked the shop.”

Bucks Free Press:

Scene in Mayflower Way - pictures by Kirsty Griffiths.

Ms Griffiths said that she does not believe there is any immediate danger, but added that these chemicals could have been inside the shop for decades.

She added: “We’re just a bit embarrassed now, there are lots of firefighters and police here and I think they are soon going to go in there with white suits on and try and remove it.”

Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue are currently on the scene with about 12 firefighters, including an officer, on hand to deal with this developing emergency.

Two fire engines are at the scene along with an operational support unit vehicle.

 

Bucks Fire and Rescue have confirmed they are at the scene after reports of a potentially hazardous chemical were found and said it is suspected it could be potassium cyanide, which is widely used in the electroplating industry.