Apartments evacuated in response to “chemical incident”

30 people were evacuated as firefighters responded to a “chemical incident” in a high-rise building.

West Midlands Fire Service has confirmed it was called to Hillmeads Road, Kings Norton, at around 7.15pm BST.

Residents between the seventh and tenth floors of Speedwell House were evacuated.

Police and ambulances are said to be on standby, but there are no reports of injuries and the cause of the incident is currently unknown.

Resident Ezran Hamilton said he came home to find emergency services outside the high-rise.

“It’s pretty extraordinary to be honest. I just got back five minutes ago and it’s like this.”

Mr Hamilton said he was told by a neighbor that the incident was gas-related.

“The main thing is that hopefully everyone is okay,” he added.

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