Cause of chemical leak at Oxford Ice Rink revealed

The cause of a chemical leak that sparked a major emergency response in Oxford today has been announced.

Four fire engines and several police cars surrounded the attraction on Oxpens Road, and the police threw a 100-meter-long barrier around the entire area.

The vehicles on site also included a “decontamination and environmental protection unit”.

While the incident was being investigated, the ice rink staff was evacuated as a precaution.

The More Leisure Community Trust, which operates the attraction on behalf of Oxford City Council, has confirmed that the leaked substance was ammonia.

Due to ice laying work, the ice rink was closed to the public for two weeks on Saturday.

A spokesman for the More Leisure Community Trust said: “We can confirm that there was a minor ammonia leak at the Oxford Ice Rink earlier today.

“The cause of the leak was identified as a loose valve in the technical room, which has now been repaired.

“As the site is currently closed for planned work to improve the facility by laying a new ice surface, customers were not affected by the leak.

“The ice rink staff were evacuated as a precautionary measure while the incident was investigated, but at no time was any employee in danger.

“Also as a precautionary measure, members of the emergency services were on site and we would like to thank them for their quick intervention.

“We now look forward to reopening the center as planned on August 30th with brand new ice laid.”