A 1.5 litre container of potentially hazardous potassium cyanide crystals was removed from a shop in Holtspur yesterday.

The barrel, which contained the chemical, was concealed in roof space and spilled across the floor when discovered by a new business owner who is currently refurbishing the old Time Piece shop, in Mayflower Way.

Bucks Fire and Rescue crews from Beaconsfield, High Wycombe and an Operational Support Unit from Marlow, along with three officers, raced to the scene after an emergency call was made at about 3pm.

After entering the building, firefighters in gas-tight suits with breathing apparatus attached placed a 1.5-litre container of potassium cyanide crystals in a large airtight plastic container, and a three-litre tin of solidified cleaning fluid in airtight hazardous materials bags.

Bucks Free Press:

Pictures by ARM Images.

The drum and bag are now being removed by an approved contractor.

The empty shop was sealed off for a number of hours during the emergency operation.

Were you affected by this incident, yesterday? Get in touch with the Bucks Free Press by emailing andrew.colley@london.newsquest.co.uk or call 01494 755089.