Exclusion zone set up after chemical plant fire

LONDON, June 4 (Reuters) A 200-metre exclusion zone was set up around a chemical production plant in Crewe today after a large fire broke out.

Cheshire Police said workers from surrounding businesses had been evacuated after the blaze started at the Aztec Chemicals site.

There have been no reports of any injuries.

All workers at the plant, which is described on its Web site as a leader in the production and supply of innovative chemical products, had been evacuated and accounted for.

''The fire is very large. There are 15 fire appliances at the scene,'' a spokeswoman said.

''In the 200-metre radius, all properties have been evacuated. These properties are industrial and business premises -- they do not include residential areas or schools.

The general advice for people living outside the exclusion are was to take shelter with doors and windows closed.

Police said the incident was expected to cause traffic chaos in Crewe and the surrounding area.

REUTERS AM VC2040