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A HANDFUL of motorists have had to be hosed off and sent to hospital after coming in contact with chemicals that spilled on the M1.

The motorway has been closed for hours following the spillage which occured this morning at 10.30am between junction 32 and 33 - causing standing traffic and tailbacks.

Three people were checked at the scene by ambulance crews before going to hospital as a precaution after coming into contact with the sludge-like by-product made up of oil, solvent, resin and water.

A 100m safety cordon that was put in place by fire crews have now been lifted and emergency services have cleared the scene.

A fire service spokesman said: "Emergency services’ first priority was to identify the type of waste materials involved and assess the risk to the public. A small number of people who have come into direct contact with the waste are being washed with water but there is not believed to be any risk to any other member of the public."