A dangerous gas was discovered to be leaking from an office fridge near Reading.

Firefighters were called to reports of a chemical smell in The Broadway, Thatcham, at 10.44am today.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service crews found the smell of ammonia, an industrial chemical, coming from a fridge unit.

High levels of ammonia may cause burns and swelling in the airways, lung damage and can be fatal, according to Public Health England.

Ingestion of ammonia solutions can cause pain and burns throughout the digestive tract.

In severe cases the respiratory system, stomach and heart may be damaged and death may follow.

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Crews removed the fridge and took it outside before ventilating the office.

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One person received a precautionary medical check and was found to be safe and well. 

The two crews were on the scene for around 42 minutes.

Toxic gas leaking for office fridge prompts firefighter response