Bin lorry fire prompts evacuation

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Residents had to be evacuated from their homes in a street in Clarkston, East Renfrewshire, after chemicals caused a fire in a bin lorry.

Fire crews were called to Alyth Gardens at about 1225 BST.

It was understood that a householder had put the chemicals out for collection. They were then loaded into the bin lorry and it caught fire.

Residents in the surrounding streets were advised to remain in their homes and close windows and doors.

Police said inquiries were ongoing to establish which chemicals were involved.

The driver of the bin lorry was taken to hospital for treatment after inhaling the fumes.

Local resident Lynn Stoll told BBC Radio Scotland's Newsdrive programme: "Somebody had obviously put chemical waste or paint in the bin and when the bin lorry emptied it and crushed it it caused a chemical reaction.

"When I came down I saw fire engines, police, breathing apparatus and the bin lorry was smoking away."

Residents were allowed to return to their homes after Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service removed the lorry.