Suspected arson attack at Newhaven factory led to chemical fear.

A suspected arson attack at a perfume factory risked leaking toxic chemicals into the environment, according to those cleaning up the aftermath. 

The Argus goes on to report that Sixty firefighters battled the blaze overnight at Quintessence Fragrances in Newhaven.

Extra back-up was sent amid concerns over flammable substances and chemicals inside the unit.

                                                                                              (Photo supplied by the Argus)

Witnesses reported seeing fireballs erupting from the factory in Avis Way, Hawthorne Industrial Estate.  

Toxic chemicals used to make perfume were reportedly contained after leaking into drainage ditches around the building.

Graeme Sanderson of Countyclean Environmental Services said: “The clean-up is going to take a few days.

It’s pretty serious.

“Toxic chemicals in the factory have gone into the drainage ditches and if it runs on, you could be looking at death to wildlife and criminal charges.

“It’s been contained by the Environment Agency.”

Up to 40 residents called 999 from 1.40am yesterday.

Surrounding roads were closed and the investigation into the blaze is expected to last two or three days.

Felix Hopkins, 21, of nearby Denton Drive, said: “I was woken up at 2am by the sound of the fire. It was massive, the smoke plume was huge.

“The smoke was travelling over to where I live. There was a really horrible sickly

smell coming because of the cosmetics.”

Fire and rescue commander Richard Moon said: “You can tell it was a sizeable fire by the scale of the destruction.

“The factory was full of chemicals but our staff are trained to work in those kind of conditions.

“It was risky but it was nothing they couldn’t cope with.

“The four walls of the unit are still standing but it’s very badly damaged.

It’s pretty bad news for the company.”

Twelve pumps were sent altogether and the fire was brought under control by 3.45am with a stop message made at 5am.

A neighbouring factory has had some structural and smoke damage.

The A259 Newhaven was closed overnight.

Several businesses on the estate were without electricity for much of the day after the power was isolated.

A member of staff said: “It was awful to see it this morning. Everyone has worked so hard.

“We might be down, but we’ll be back.”

A spokesman for Sussex Police confirmed the incident was being treated as a suspected arson attack.