Police investigating dumping of barrels of chemical waste in Sheffield pub car park

South Yorkshire Police has confirmed it is investigating the dumping of chemical waste in a Sheffield pub car park that forced nearby residents from their homes.
The Royal Oak pub in Mosborough.The Royal Oak pub in Mosborough.
The Royal Oak pub in Mosborough.

Sheffield Council and the Environment Agency confirmed yesterday they were investigating the incident at the Royal Oak pub in Mosborough, which occurred in the middle of last month and affected two nearby properties after gallons of a chemical solvent were dumped in the car park.

South Yorkshire Police said today the force is also investigating the issue as a criminal matter.

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A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: "Police were called on October 14 following reports that controlled special waste had been deposited at a pub on High Street, Mosborough.

"It is understood persons unknown left two barrels containing a substance in the car park. The Environment Agency and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue carried out initial enquiries at the scene.

"A police investigation is ongoing into the circumstances and anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting incident number 18 of 14 October 2020."

The EA said yesterday that the pollutant “has not posed any risk to nearby watercourses or drinking water” following the incident on October 11. Sheffield Council said two nearby properties have been affected by the issue.

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The incident is believed to have taken place sometime after the pub closed at 10pm on October 10, probably in the early hours of the following morning.

Michael Wattam, who lives in a house affected by the chemical spillage with his wife, daughter and granddaughter, told The Sheffield Star that his family were advised to leave the property temporarily and they have all undergone hospital tests.

“We are still feeling the effects of breathing in those chemicals for days and days before we were advised to move out on safety grounds,” he said.

“Whoever did this must be stupid to not realise the implication of dumping these chemicals, not only to those who live near by but to the wider community if the water gets contaminated."

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Sheffield Council has said the area affected by the spill is limited and work is under way to arrange a clean-up. The council said while "there is no current increased risk to health for those living nearby or travelling close to the area", anyone who notices a solvent smell - which may be sweet and/or similar to paint thinner in or around their property - should call the local authority on 0114 2734567 for further assistance.

Details of what the chemical solvent specifically was have not been released by the Environment Agency.

The pub is currently fenced off and has a ‘for sale’ sign outside.

A Facebook post by the pub on October 15 read: “With immediate effect, The Royal Oak is closing.

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“We are unsure at this point how long this is for but due to a health and safety/chemical spill, it is unsafe to open at this point.”

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