Police issue statement over toxic chemical spill that left Sheffield family homeless

Toxic waste is believed to have been illegally dumped there last month, with chemicals seeping into the ground and contaminating a house and the grounds next door.

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The family-of-four which lives there has had to move out on safety grounds and it is feared that the house may have to be demolished for the contaminated land underneath to be dug out.

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The Royal Oak on High Street, Mosborough, has been closed until further notice while investigations into the incident are carried out and a clean-up operation is mounted.

Sheffield Council’s environmental health department and the Environment Agency are also investigating.

South Yorkshire Police said: “Police were called on October 14 following reports that controlled special waste had been deposited at a pub on High Street, Mosborough.

“It is understood persons unknown left two barrels containing a substance in the car park.

“The Environment Agency and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue carried out initial enquiries at the scene.

“A police investigation is ongoing into the circumstances.”

Sheffield MP Clive Betts said he reported the incident to the authorities and wants a thorough investigation carried out.

He said those responsible should be prosecuted for their actions, which he described as ‘completely and utterly unacceptable’.

Severn Trent Water, which provides drinking water in Mosborough said the supply was not affected.

Anyone with information should call South Yorkshire Police on 101 and quote incident number 18 of October 14, 2020.

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